Italy’s leadership overhaul: Malagò vows director in a week

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò announced that Italy will appoint a new technical director within a week, after the Azzurri’s leadership vacuum following the failure to progress past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup play‑offs. The setbacks prompted the resignations of coach Gennaro Gattuso, team manager Gigi Buffon and federation president Gabriele Gravina.

A new FIGC chief has been elected to steer the federation through the crisis. The president said a dedicated technical director for the Azzurri will be appointed to assist in selecting the next head coach.

Malagò named former Milan defender Paolo Maldini as his primary candidate for the technical director role. However, Maldini appears hesitant, and other unnamed candidates are also being considered.

‘Italians want someone who has history and knowledge of the sport, who can share the choice of coach with the President,’ Malagò said. He added that he is working hard on the appointment but cannot confirm how close the process is.

Malagò assured that the appointment will be finalised ‘over the course of a week’. He emphasized that he will not approach any coaches until the technical director position is filled.

Media reports suggest the next head coach could be either Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini. While the two command markedly different salary demands, Malagò indicated that the disparity is not necessarily a barrier.

Conte is currently the coach of SSC Napoli, as observed during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Napoli on 2 May 2026. The match, held at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, underscores his active involvement in Italian football.

The swift promise of a technical director highlights the federation’s desire to restore stability, yet the lingering ambiguity around the coach selection underscores ongoing challenges. The coming week will determine whether Italy can quickly re‑establish a clear leadership hierarchy.