Malagò has ‘not spoken’ to Mancini, but new Italy coach must ’embrace’ role

New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò insists he ‘has not spoken’ to Roberto Mancini about the Italy job, but his new coach must ‘fully embrace’ the role.

The election was held today to choose the successor to Gabriele Gravina, who tended his resignation in the wake of the failed 2026 World Cup play-off.

Federation President Gravina, coach Gennaro Gattuso and Italy team manager Gianluigi Buffon all resigned following the defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

The first big decision for the new chief is to choose a Nazionale coach, with EURO 2020 winner Mancini the hot favourite for a return to the role.

However, when asked about this in today’s press conference, Malagò insisted there was no agreement in place.

“I have not spoken to anyone about the Italy job and nobody can tell you any different. We will begin thinking about that from now. We need to look at other critical issues.”

Considering Mancini walked away from the Azzurri during a moment of crisis to take the Saudi Arabia national team job instead in August 2023, some of the comments today from Malagò when asked to describe his ‘ideal’ man for the role stand out.

“I made a crazy decision out of love running for this position. I had not put forward my candidacy, but I was pulled into it. The new CT will have to embrace that.

“I will not opt for a figure who has a different vision to mine, he has to fully share it. We can’t just say saddle up and get going. It has to be a total embrace, regardless of his CV.”

Mancini was the Italy coach from 2018 to 2023, but since then has had jobs with the Saudi Arabia national team and club side Al-Sadd.