Malagò breaks silence on coaching saga
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has pledged to address all parties involved in the chaotic search for a new Italy national team coach, stating the federation must “recover our credibility at the top level.” The football chief revealed he has been inundated with messages regarding the prolonged appointment process, which has seen multiple high-profile candidates reject or fall away from the role.
“I will speak to everyone as soon as possible, as is only right,” Malagò told Il Sole 24 Ore via Sky Sport Italia. “I wanted to keep this appointment with you, but in the space of 25 minutes I’ll receive 700 new WhatsApp messages.”
Failed approaches and fresh uncertainty
The federation’s hunt for a successor has become increasingly fraught. Both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the position, while Andrea Pirlo was initially selected before being ruled out due to controversy surrounding his role as brand ambassador for a Russian betting company.
The turmoil now threatens to claim further casualties. Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, who were appointed to newly created roles specifically for them just weeks ago, are reportedly considering resignation. According to reports, the pair are reluctant to pursue former Italy managers Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini, viewing such appointments as a backwards step.
Youth focus over quick fixes
Malagò emphasised that appointing a senior coach represents only part of a broader necessary transformation. He argued that genuine reform must begin with Italy’s youth academies and the development of players currently aged 13 to 16.
“We must recover our credibility at the top level, where nothing can be taken for granted,” he said. “To do this, we must modify the supply chain of football academies in terms of formation and culture, so that implies the coach too. It’s a matter of sowing the seeds, but we do have very clear ideas.”
The president warned that such structural changes will require time, meaning results will not be immediate. His comments suggest the FIGC seeks a long-term project rather than a short-term solution, potentially explaining the reluctance to rehire former managers such as Conte or Mancini despite their previous success with the Azzurri.