Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malagò has indicated that key appointments to the national team setup will be finalised imminently, with the technical director role set to be resolved first. The Azzurri have been without both a head coach and technical director since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down earlier this year. Delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also left following the play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Front-Runners
Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have emerged as the leading contenders to take charge of the senior side. However, opinions differ regarding the preferred choice. Malagò was recently seen participating in a five-a-side tournament alongside Mancini, yet this public appearance does not guarantee the former Inter Milan boss will secure the role. Reports indicate that Lega Serie A favours Conte for the position instead.
Meanwhile, Paolo Maldini remains the prominent name associated with the technical director vacancy. According to TMW, Malagò stated that he hopes to “calm the nerves” over the weekend regarding this specific appointment, though he declined to confirm that the former Milan defender has definitively accepted the position.
Potential Surprise Candidate
Adding intrigue to the selection process, Malagò hinted that an unexpected figure could yet emerge for either post. He remarked that “there could also be a surprise” alongside his confirmation that developments would arrive within days.
The vacant positions follow a period of significant upheaval for Italian football, with the national team having failed to qualify for the World Cup. The new coaching structure will face immediate pressure to restore stability and guide the side through the upcoming international campaign.