Italy's new football president talks up revival
Italy are still yet to appoint a head coach to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, but newly installed Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago is already confident the new coach will have plenty to work with when they take the reins.
Malago, who was elected as the FIGC's new president earlier this month after Gabriele Gravina's exit, is overseeing an overhaul at the top of the Azzurri's structure.
Antonio Conte is the favourite to return as head coach, after Gennaro Gattuso departed in the aftermath of Italy's failed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Roberto Mancini has also been linked with a return to the job he left in 2023, having left to take charge of Saudi Arabia. He memorably led the Azzurri to UEFA Euro 2020 glory at Wembley, beating England on penalties.
A new technical director will also be installed with the responsibility of shaping the overall trajectory of Italy's national teams, with Malago aiming to fill both positions by the end of next week.
Former AC Milan defensive stalwart Paolo Maldini is reportedly the FIGC's top target for that latter job, but when asked if Maldini could work with Conte, Malago insisted there are still other names in the frame.
"I wouldn't get too focused on certain names," Malago said. "There aren’t just a couple of candidates.
"In life, when time is tight, and there are big problems to deal with, and above all, deadlines looming, you need a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, too."
Italy, which has missed the past three editions of the FIFA World Cup and only went as far as the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2024, returns to action in the UEFA Nations League on 26 September (AEST) against Belgium.
