FIGC president Giovanni Malagò has confirmed that the appointment of a new head coach for Italy is imminent, stating that the final decision is just a few days away. Addressing reports of a potential divide, Malagò dismissed rumors of a rift between himself, technical director Paolo Maldini, and advisor Leonardo. He emphasized that while the process takes time, he and his colleagues will be fully aligned on the final choice, noting that it took two weeks to bring Maldini and Leonardo into the fold.
The president clarified that the selection process is governed by both financial and sporting considerations. While Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo have been primary subjects of speculation, Malagò indicated that the search encompasses a wider range of candidates. He addressed the possibility of hiring a high-profile manager, noting that such a move would need to be compatible with the organization's current budget. He explicitly stated that the available funds, which include the remainder of the salary previously allocated to Gennaro Gattuso, are far from what would be required to secure a top-tier marquee coach. Malagò suggested that such significant financial outlays would likely not be feasible until the 2027 financial year.
Reflecting on the qualities he values, Malagò pointed to the recent tournament success of coaches like Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente, highlighting that effective methodology and organizational structure are more critical than pedigree. For Malagò, the model matters more than the marquee name. “In the final there were two coaches, Scaloni and De la Fuente,” he said. “Scaloni, without an incredible pedigree, made an incredible journey. De la Fuente comes from the youth pathway. Whatever the person, we have to fix the organisation and methodology so that Italians play more and are valued.”
Additionally, Malagò addressed recent off-field controversies, specifically condemning political intervention in sports. He criticized the decision to overturn the red-card suspension of Folarin Balogun, asserting that a line was crossed. Referring to the Olympic charter, he warned that while sports and politics are linked, allowing political influence to override sporting decisions constitutes an unacceptable overreach.
According to Sky Sport, via CalcioMercato, the FIGC president moved to quash talk of a fracture with Maldini and advisor Leonardo. “How long until the coach? Just a few more days’ patience,” Malagò said. “It took me two weeks to bring Maldini and Leonardo on board. There’s no clash, but there has to be agreement. In the end, myself, Maldini and Leonardo will be 100% aligned.”
The reference was widely read as pointing to Pep Guardiola or Antonio Conte, with Malagò suggesting any such splurge on Italy’s next coach could only be feasible in the 2027 financial year.
