FIGC president Giovanni Malagò says Paolo Maldini remains the frontrunner for Italy’s technical director but has contingency Plans B and C if Maldini declines, promising a decision on the broader coaching situation by the end of the week. Malagò insists the technical director will co-decide the next national coach and signals Serie A clubs’ readiness to help fund the appointment as part of a longer-term rebuild toward Euro 2032.
Malagò keeps options open as Maldini considers Italy technical director role
Giovanni Malagò has confirmed Paolo Maldini is the leading candidate to become Italy’s technical director, but he’s prepared to move on if Maldini declines. Malagò stressed he has “a Plan B, and perhaps even a Plan C” and expects to take stock of the situation by the end of the week. The technical director role will be central to selecting the next Italy head coach, Malagò said, underscoring the football federation’s intention to make the appointment collaboratively.
Why Maldini matters — and why patience is warranted
Maldini’s candidacy carries weight because of his Milan experience and standing in Italian football; Malagò argues those credentials translate into the executive skillset required. Maldini taking time to respond should be read as deliberation, not hesitation, according to Malagò, who framed any delay as a sign of seriousness and existing commitments rather than reluctance. That patience reflects a deliberate approach: the FIGC is prioritising the right structural fit over a rushed appointment.
The coach shortlist — Conte, Mancini and beyond
Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have been floated as top coaching candidates, but Malagò warned the process might involve more names. Crucially, he said he has not spoken directly to any coach — the federation intends for the incoming technical director to be part of that conversation and final decision. This signals a shift from unilateral presidential selections to a governance model that pairs technical oversight with executive direction.
Serie A’s role: financial backing and national interest
Malagò revealed Serie A clubs are prepared to help fund the national coach’s salary, describing their willingness as an important show of support. He urged not to get bogged down in cost debates, focusing instead on shared benefits: national team exposure increases player value and offers clubs an economic return. This pragmatic cooperation suggests clubs now accept a stronger responsibility in rebuilding Italy’s international competitiveness.
Long-term plan: rebuilding toward Euro 2032
Malagò outlined a multi-year view, pointing to a six-year horizon aiming for optimal development ahead of Euro 2032. He believes Italy still has promising young talent and that a consolidated technical structure — led by a capable director and a clear coaching philosophy — can restore consistency. The approach favours institution-building over quick fixes, prioritising development cycles and continuity.
Malagò’s critique of FIFA’s Balogun decision
On a separate note, Malagò publicly criticised FIFA for overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card in the World Cup, saying such reversals undermine football’s meritocracy. That rebuke fits a broader theme in his remarks: the need for transparent, credible decision-making at every level of the sport.
Assessment: steady governance or stall tactics?
Malagò’s handling combines decisive deadlines with a methodical hiring model. That balance is sensible: appointing a technical director who then shapes the coaching choice reduces concentration of power and increases technical buy-in.
The risk is that prolonged uncertainty could unsettle players and fans; the reward is a potentially more coherent, sustainable setup if the federation gets the right personnel. If Maldini accepts, Italy would gain a high-profile architect for its sporting project. If he declines, the FIGC’s readiness with alternatives and club backing will determine how smoothly the rebuild proceeds.
What happens next
Expect a short window of clarification: Malagò has set expectations for a decision by the week’s end. The next steps are clear — confirm a technical director, then open formal talks with coach candidates alongside that director.
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How quickly the FIGC translates these intentions into concrete appointments will shape Italy’s preparation and morale ahead of future qualifiers and tournaments.
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