Malagò confirms Italy coach candidates extend 'beyond Pirlo and Mancini' as decision nears
Quick summary
CONI president Giovanni Malagò stated that the list of candidates to become Italy's next head coach extends beyond Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, with a final decision expected soon.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGiovanni 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.
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.”
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division. 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.”
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What happened
Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), confirmed that the shortlist for the Italy national team head coach position includes more names than just Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini. The FIGC has been searching for a successor since Luciano Spalletti's departure, with several high-profile candidates linked to the role. Malagò indicated that a decision is imminent, suggesting the federation is close to finalizing its choice ahead of upcoming fixtures and competitive commitments.
Chance analysis
The Italy coaching search is a key strategic decision affecting the Azzurri's trajectory through upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and 2026 World Cup qualifying. The breadth of the candidate pool beyond the two most-discussed names indicates the FIGC is still evaluating options rather than rushing a decision. Whoever is appointed will inherit a squad in transition and face immediate pressure to stabilize results, making this a high-stakes appointment for Italian football's medium-term outlook.
The impending appointment of a new Italy head coach will reshape the team's tactical approach, squad rotation, and competitive prospects in the near term.
Track the Italy national team coaching appointment closely, as it will directly affect tactical setups, player selection, and match outcomes for upcoming fixtures.