Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Federation, revealed the appointment of an Italian star responsible for managing the national teams.
Malago said at the press conference presenting Roberto Mancini as technical director of the Italian national team: "By the end of the week, I expect to announce to you the joining of a third person with us.. This person will be responsible for managing the various national teams, a role previously held by Gigi Riva and Gigi Buffon; Zola is certainly a suitable name for this third position."
Malago added, "In life, we always make mistakes, but we must adapt to this economic situation, and specifically to this historical moment; I have no desire whatsoever to stir up any controversy. I believe the time has come for everyone to support the Italian national team."
He continued, "I wanted to fulfill my commitment to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, then we saw what happened; it is not that Pirlo was unqualified to coach."
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo left their positions in the Italian Federation after the rejection of appointing Andrea Pirlo as coach of the national team.
Regarding Mancini's resignation in 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia, Maldini replied, "There was a strong desire from him to apologize, and he has already done so publicly."
He continued, "Mancini and Ranieri will get along; they must become more in harmony, because one of the reasons for Claudio Ranieri's joining is his complete agreement with the choice of Roberto Mancini."
Claudio Ranieri assumed the role of sports director of the Italian national team.
He concluded his remarks on the nomination of Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to coach the Italian national team: "I did not mention them personally."
Italian press reports mentioned the nomination of Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City technical director, to coach the Italian national team.
The Italian national team begins its matches in the UEFA Nations League with a match against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25.
The European qualifiers for Euro 2028 will also begin in March 2027.
Under Mancini's leadership, the Italian national team won the Euro 2020 title, as well as third place in the UEFA Nations League at the expense of the Netherlands.
