Italy Coach Decision Nears: Malagò Confirms Names Beyond Pirlo & Mancini

Giovanni Malagò, the FIGC president, has announced that the appointment of Italy's next head coach is imminent, stating that the decision is just days away. He also clarified that there is no disagreement with technical director Paolo Maldini regarding the selection process.

According to reports, Malagò addressed speculation about a potential rift with Maldini and advisor Leonardo. He stated, "Just a few more days' patience," regarding the coach's announcement. Malagò emphasized the need for agreement among himself, Maldini, and Leonardo, asserting they will be in full accord by the time the decision is made.

Budget Constraints to Influence Italy Coach Selection

Malagò highlighted that financial factors will play a significant role in choosing the new coach, alongside sporting considerations. He indicated that the pool of potential candidates extends beyond the most frequently discussed names.

"Beyond Mancini and Pirlo there could be other names," Malagò commented. He addressed the idea of pursuing a high-profile coach by questioning the feasibility of their demands within the current budget, noting that the available funds are far from what a top-tier coach might expect.

This statement was interpreted as a suggestion that attracting coaches like Pep Guardiola or Antonio Conte would only be possible in a future financial year. Malagò stressed that the organizational model and methodology are more critical than securing a star coach.

He referenced the recent tournament's successful coaches, Scaloni and De la Fuente, pointing out Scaloni's remarkable achievement without extensive prior pedigree and De la Fuente's background in youth development. Malagò stated that regardless of the individual chosen, the focus must be on improving the organization and methodology to ensure more Italian players are given opportunities and are properly developed.

Malagò also commented on a significant off-field controversy, condemning political interference that led to Folarin Balogun's red card suspension being overturned. He expressed that "a line was crossed" and that while sport and politics are interconnected, sport's autonomy must be respected. He warned against a situation where politics overrules sporting decisions.

English Translation:

Giovanni Malagò has confirmed that the appointment of Italy’s new head coach is only days away, insisting there is no rift with technical director Paolo Maldini over the choice.

Malagò moved to quash talk of a fracture with Maldini and advisor Leonardo. “Just a few more days’ patience,” Malagò said. “There’s no clash, but there has to be agreement. In the end, myself, Maldini and Leonardo will be 100% aligned.”

Malagò says budget will shape Italy coach choice

The president made clear the decision is as much financial as sporting, and that the field extends beyond the two most-discussed names.

“Beyond Mancini and Pirlo there could be other names,” he said. “To those who say take a big shot, I say, even if he were interested, what are his demands? And are they compatible with our accounts? On the books I have the sum left from Gattuso’s salary, a thousand miles from any wishes of the big shot.”

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.

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.”

He also weighed in on the tournament’s biggest off-field controversy, condemning the political intervention that saw Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension overturned.

“With that decision, a line was crossed,” Malagò said. “The Olympic charter is very clear on autonomy. Sport can’t do its job fully without politics, but if politics overrides sport, we fall into offside.”