Italian
Shake-up in Casa Italia. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign after Malagò’s decision not to give the bench to Pirlo. New DT Ranieri and CT Mancini
ROME – The die is cast. It took 35 days from the election of Giovanni Malagò as the new president of the FIGC to the appointment of the new Technical Commissioner of the Italian National Team. In between, absolute chaos. A guessing game of names that changed every day, the back and forth with Paolo Maldini to have him in the new role of Technical Director.
Finally, the decision of the former Milan star to accept the role on July 11 alongside Leonardo as advisor. From there, the path seemed all downhill. A comprehensive long-term reform project starting from the football schools was sought, looking for a coach who could follow the entire journey and not just two or four years.
The first idea for the new duo has always been Andrea Pirlo. A young coach, but with great game vision despite having little experience. An attempt was also made with Carlo Ancelotti (busy with Brazil) and Pep Guardiola who had just announced he wanted a sabbatical year.
Two rejections and we return to the initial idea. And that’s where the popular and parliamentary uprising begins. In the end, “the excuse,” because it can’t be called anything else, is that Pirlo is a testimonial for a Russian betting company (along with Materazzi and Totti) sponsored by the president of the team he coaches, United Fc, in the United Arab Emirates.
The reaction of the pair of former Milan players is quite predictable. From having full decision-making powers to having none, everything changes. Thus, the two resign after only 16 days in office. Meanwhile, time passes and the following morning (yesterday, ed.) there is the already scheduled meeting of the Federal Council.
The result is to quickly return to the first choice made by Malagò: Claudio Ranieri Technical Director and Roberto Mancini new Technical Commissioner. With the good grace of Lega Serie A which was strongly betting on Antonio Conte and the idea of changing something and having a long-term project.
At the end of the meeting, it is the former president of Coni who announces it at the press conference:
“I believed it was right that the person who should become the head coach of the National Team was Roberto Mancini, for a whole series of considerations. To close the circle, I thought it was right to identify a person with whom to share the choice of the head coach. This person is called Claudio Ranieri, who assured me of his commitment.”
The federal president has finally announced that in the coming days a third figure will join Club Italia: “They will be responsible for being the manager of the national teams, a role that was held by Gigi Riva and Gigi Buffon. I would also like to entrust them with the supervision of the Youth National Teams currently coordinated by Maurizio Viscidi, who will remain with us.”
Today at 6:20 PM there will be the press conference for the presentation. And we hope this is the right time.
Photo Credits: Figc.it
