Sport: Soccer Country: Italy Category: Coaching

Italy considers hiring foreign coach, says football federation chief

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 10:11 AM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Italy considers hiring foreign coach, says football federation chief

Summary

Giovanni Malagò, newly elected president of the Italian football federation, mentioned the possibility of appointing a foreign coach for the men's national team. In an interview with La Repubblica, he stated, "Never say never." Italy has not qualified for the last three men's World Cups, with leadership changes following a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Although Malagò did not discuss specific candidates, past coach Roberto Mancini remains a familiar figure in Italian football. Malagò noted he has not spoken with Mancini since his departure in 2023.

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Key Details

•Giovanni Malagò is the new president of the Italian football federation.
•Italy missed three consecutive World Cups, necessitating leadership changes.
•Malagò has not ruled out a foreign coach for the national team.
•Roberto Mancini, former coach, is considered a potential candidate.

Latest Updates

10:11 AMYahoo Sports — Italy would consider appointing foreign coach, says federation chief

What they're saying

"
The new head of the Italian football federation, Giovanni Malagò, has not ruled out appointing a foreign national team coach for the first time. Asked in an interview with newspaper La Repubblica on Tuesday about a coach for the men's team from abroad, the 67-year-old said: "Never say never.
— Yahoo Sports

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