Malagò: New Italy national team technical director to be appointed within a week
Quick summary
FIGC president Luciano Malagò announced that a new Italy national team technical director will be named within approximately a week, following recent changes to the federation's sporting structure.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFIGC President Giovanni Malagò assures Italy will have its technical director ‘over the course of a week’ and then they can choose a new coach. ‘I haven’t spoken to any coaches so far.’
The Nazionale has been without leaders since the failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup play-offs, prompting the resignation of coach Gennaro Gattuso, team manager Gigi Buffon, and Federation President Gabriele Gravina.
A new FIGC chief has been elected, and he has said that a new role of technical director for the Azzurri will be appointed, who can then help decide on the coach.
Malagò sets timeline for Italy director CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 5: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, speaks during the mural inauguration ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at the Cortina Paralympic Village on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images for IPC) “I have not spoken to, met, or contacted any coaches so far,” Malagò assured in a press conference following his first FIGC summit.
“I will only do so once we have ticked the box of the technical director, so this choice will be made together with the Club Italia leadership.”
Malagò has Paolo Maldini as his first choice for technical director , but the Milan legend would seem to be reticent, while there are other candidates too.
“Italians want someone who has history and knowledge of the sport, who can share the choice of coach with the President. I am working on it very hard,” added the FIGC President.
“I cannot say if we are close or not. I read many times, but I cannot confirm or deny anything.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) However, he did suggest that we won’t be waiting too long before an announcement is made for the technical director.
“It will all be closed over the course of a week.”
When it comes to the coach, the reports are this is down to a choice between Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini , but that there is a massive difference in salary demands.
“That is not necessarily an issue,” he replied.
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What happened
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Luciano Malagò stated that a new technical director for the Italy national team will be appointed within a week. The appointment follows recent restructuring at the FIGC, including the departure of Gianluigi Buffon from a delegate role. Malagò indicated the decision is imminent as the federation looks to establish its sporting leadership ahead of upcoming international commitments. The role is seen as crucial for coordinating the technical pathway from youth football to the senior national team.
Chance analysis
The appointment of a new Italy technical director is a structural decision that shapes the entire Azzurri ecosystem, from youth development pipelines to senior team recruitment and tactical direction. The figure chosen will influence player selection philosophy, coaching appointments, and long-term strategic planning. With Italy having failed to qualify for recent tournaments, the technical director role carries heightened importance in restoring competitive consistency. A swift appointment suggests the FIGC has a preferred candidate in mind and wants stability before the next international window.
A new technical director will reshape Italy's player development and selection strategy, with potential ripple effects on the senior national team's performance and composition.
Monitor the identity of the new technical director as it will signal Italy's tactical and recruitment direction for upcoming international fixtures.