Malago eyes Immobile for FIGC leadership team alongside Ranieri and Zola | OneFootball

Giovanni Malago has reportedly approached Ciro Immobile about a role within the Italian football federation, just weeks after he announced his retirement from playing.

According to Calciomercato.com, citing Corriere della Sera, the idea originated with the FIGC president himself, with a telephone conversation said to have taken place between the two men. Neither party has confirmed or denied that the contact occurred.

Italy technical director Paolo Maldini, special advisor Leonardo, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò and Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli (figc.it)

Immobile could join Ranieri and Zola in FIGC structure

The proposal would see Immobile given a prominent position within the federation’s leadership group, joining a roster that already includes Claudio Ranieri, Gianfranco Zola, Lele Oriali and Antonio Bianchedi.

Immobile made his name at Lazio, where he became one of the most prolific goalscorers in the club’s history, and also played for Torino, Genoa, Juventus, Bologna and Pescara before moving abroad to Paris FC. He was also a part of Italy’s European Championship triumph in 2021.

Technical Director Claudio Ranieri and coach Roberto Mancini pose with the Italy jersey (@azzurri)

The approach comes at a turbulent moment for Malago after the FIGC withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency, a decision Serie A League president Ezio Simonelli publicly distanced himself from on Wednesday.

Ranieri was himself appointed only recently, taking the technical director role vacated by Paolo Maldini after a brief spell.