Malago: ‘Italy have Plan A, B and C’ for new coach and director | OneFootball

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò insists he has ‘a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C’ for both the roles of new Italy coach and technical director. ‘I wouldn’t get too fossilized on certain names.’

The election put him in charge of the Italian Football Federation, and it would usually also be his decision to hire a new coach.

However, Malagò has decided to appoint a brand new role of technical director for Club Italia, who can then in turn prove crucial for the choice of CT.

The first pick for that role is Paolo Maldini, while the coach is rumoured to be between Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.

Malagò keeping open mind for Italy roles

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 05: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, speaks during the Paralympic Games Opening Press Conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“I wouldn’t get too fossilized on certain names,” warned the President when asked if Maldini and Conte would be compatible together.

“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.”

Having said that, Malagò reiterated that he expects to announce both the new technical director and coach of the Italy national team by the end of next week.

This isn’t the only problem that the FIGC is dealing with, as by July 31 Italy must also present the final list of five stadiums to co-host the EURO 2032 tournament with Turkiye.

“It is an opportunity for our country as a whole and it is positive to have deadlines, because big events force you to move quickly.”