Italy’s Maldini gamble: Malagò’s Plan B and C take shape by Friday

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malagò has insisted contingency plans are in place should Paolo Maldini decline the offer to become the national team’s technical director, with a decision expected by the end of this week. Malagò, speaking in an interview, confirmed that the Federation is prepared to activate alternative strategies if Maldini, a Milan and Azzurri legend, ultimately turns down the role. The technical director will play a pivotal part in selecting the new head coach of La Nazionale, with Malagò emphasizing the urgency of finalizing the leadership structure. Malagò described Maldini as the leading candidate for the technical director position, citing his extensive experience both as a player and in executive roles. “Maldini possesses the experience and expertise that extend beyond his playing career into his executive role, making him an ideal candidate for the technical director role, essentially the key point of contact with the president and the Federal Council,” Malagò stated. However, he acknowledged the necessity of having backup options, stating: “However, it’s also necessary to have a Plan B, and perhaps even a Plan C; I am very, very, very calm.” The offer to Maldini has been under consideration for several days, with Malagò dismissing concerns over the delay in his response. He suggested that the time taken by Maldini could reflect the seriousness of the situation rather than hesitation. “When influential figures in the football world asked me to run, I told them I was absolutely unavailable because I was quite tired after the Olympic journey and had other ideas beyond my business life,” Malagò explained. “They returned a few days later, and I hadn’t changed my mind… What I mean is that perhaps there are other commitments or prior offers, and this should actually be interpreted as a sign of seriousness, not something negative.”

FIFA’s ban suspension sparks outrage as Belgium eyes options

Malagò also addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the head coach position, hinting that the final decision may involve more than just the two leading candidates, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. “It’s not out of the question that it might involve more than just these two individuals,” he noted. He stressed that no final decisions on the coaching role have been made, stating: “The only truth is that I haven’t spoken to any coach; that would deeply contradict my intention, which is to evaluate and decide with the technical director who it will be.” The FIGC President also revealed that Serie A clubs have expressed willingness to support the Federation financially in hiring a new coach, though he downplayed the significance of the financial aspect. “The clubs’ potential willingness to help the Federation with the coach’s wages is very important,” Malagò said. “But let’s not get bogged down in discussions about how much the coach should cost. What’s even better, however, is Serie A’s full commitment to supporting the national team.” Malagò concluded by outlining his long-term vision for Italian football, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding the national team’s structure over the next six years leading up to Euro 2032. “In my mind, there are six years to complete with Euro 2032, an almost ideal period to develop the best possible athletes,” he said. He also criticized FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium, calling it a loss for football’s meritocracy.