Malagò: Donnarumma Approves Mancini as Italy Coach, UEFA-FIFA in Total Conflict

Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has revealed that Italy's captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, is in favor of Roberto Mancini's appointment as the new national team coach. Malagò also described the current relationship between UEFA and FIFA as being in a state of "total conflict," predicting further complications ahead.

Malagò, who was elected to his position just a month prior, has already navigated a tumultuous period for the Azzurri. He established the role of Club Italia technical director for Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo. However, both resigned over the weekend when Andrea Pirlo was prevented from becoming coach due to his brand ambassador role with a Russian betting company, which is prohibited in Italy.

Instead, Mancini was selected as the Italy coach, with Claudio Ranieri appointed as technical director and President of Club Italia. Both were officially presented at a joint press conference.

Player Support for Mancini

Despite initial concerns that the players might react negatively to Mancini's return, particularly given his departure in 2023 for a lucrative role with the Saudi Arabia national team, this has not been the case.

"After yesterday's press conference, [former FIGC President] Gabriele Gravina called me and said, 'Well done, this is exactly what I would have done, choosing Mancini and Ranieri,'" Malagò stated. He added, "Last night, Gigio Donnarumma sent me a text that said, 'President, thank you, this is exactly what the squad and I wanted.'"

Growing UEFA-FIFA Disagreement

In addition to the internal challenges within the Italian squad, the new FIGC President has been confronted with the escalating rift between UEFA and FIFA, which could lead to significant repercussions.

This tension follows an announcement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding plans to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

"Last night, the UEFA secretary general asked me to participate in a video call with the most prestigious leagues in Europe, such as Spain, France, Germany, and England. That demonstrated how much UEFA values our input," explained Malagò.

"I had also received a series of documents regarding this project, let's call it that, which is frankly unusual from FIFA. Obviously, during the video conference, President Ceferin expressed strong opposition to it."

"Tomorrow, there will be an assembly, and I cannot say if it will be formal or not, with all the federations in Europe. I've already observed some strong stances being taken, even outside the world of football. There's no doubt that the situation between UEFA and FIFA is one of total conflict. We already knew it was, but this has created an insurmountable barrier between the two entities."

"Honestly, I could have done without this right now. We will release a statement tomorrow detailing everything that this entails. We are in Europe, and we stand with UEFA, but we will await the formal positions."

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English Translation:

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has revealed that Italy's captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, approves of Roberto Mancini as the new Italy coach. Malagò also stated that UEFA and FIFA are in "total conflict" and that the situation is likely to worsen.

Malagò, who was elected president just one month ago, has already overseen significant developments for the Azzurri. He created the position of Club Italia technical director for Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo. However, both resigned over the weekend after Andrea Pirlo was disqualified from becoming coach due to his role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company, which is banned in Italy.

Mancini was subsequently appointed as the Italy coach, with Claudio Ranieri taking on the roles of technical director and President of Club Italia. They were formally introduced at a joint press conference.

Players' Support for Mancini Revealed

It was feared that the players might react negatively, given Mancini's departure in 2023 to accept a lucrative contract with the Saudi Arabia national team. However, this was not the case.

"After yesterday's press conference, [former FIGC President] Gabriele Gravina called me and said, 'Well done, this is exactly what I would have done, choosing Mancini and Ranieri,'" Malagò revealed. He added, "Last night, Gigio Donnarumma sent me a text that said, 'President, thank you, this is exactly what the squad and I wanted.'"

UEFA and FIFA in "Total Conflict"

In addition to the chaos surrounding the Italy squad, the new FIGC President has also had to address the growing rift between UEFA and FIFA, which could lead to direct and dramatic actions.

This situation arises after FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

"Last night, the UEFA secretary general asked me to participate in a video call with the most prestigious leagues in Europe, such as Spain, France, Germany, and England. That was a demonstration of how much UEFA values our consideration," explained Malagò.

"I had also received a series of documents on this project, let's call it that, which is frankly unusual from FIFA. Obviously, during the video conference call, President Ceferin was strongly against it."

"Tomorrow, there will be an assembly, I cannot say if it is formal or not, with all the federations in Europe. I've already seen some strong positions being taken, even outside the world of football. There's no doubt the situation between UEFA and FIFA is one of total conflict. We already knew it was, but this has created an insurmountable barrier between the two worlds."

"I really could have done without this right now, to be honest. We will release a statement tomorrow with everything that implies. We are in Europe, we are with UEFA, but we'll see the formal positions."