Malagò coy on Guardiola, rules out Italy announcement today | OneFootball

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò suggests there will be no announcement today regarding the new Italy coach, while stressing the close bond he shares with Roberto Mancini.

Malagò will take part in a Serie A Assembly in Milan today. He will be joined by newly-appointed Italy technical director and his advisor Leonardo, who will present their project to Serie A clubs.

Latest Malagò updates on new Italy coach

Some Italian media thought the meeting with representatives of Italy’s top flight would be the ideal opportunity to confirm the name of the new Italy coach, but Malagò said on Wednesday night that would not be the case.

“I don’t think the announcement will come during the Serie A assembly,” he said via Sky.

Malagò publicly confirmed ongoing talks with Pep Guardiola just a few days ago, but when asked again about the Spaniard yesterday, he replied: “Don’t make me say anything.”

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 delivers a speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games closing ceremony at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Malagò spoke to reporters in Rome after taking part in a five-a-side football match, playing in the same team as Roberto Mancini.

“Roberto is very humble on the pitch; he’s given us tremendous help,” concluded Malagò.

“We’re a duo that, in life, no matter what, has always been very close, and I want to say and emphasise it.”

Mancini already served as Italy’s head coach from 2018 until 2023 and is seen as a candidate for the Italy job if Guardiola rejects the FIGC offer.

Last night, however, Mancini insisted that he had not been contacted regarding his possible return.