Malagò’s gamble: Bianchedi at the helm of Italy’s national team

Giovanni Malagò has spent the first fifty days at the helm of Italian football in a state of perpetual motion. A cultural revolution now sits at the heart of that upheaval, embodied by the appointment of Diana Bianchedi as head of delegation for the national team. The move signals a deliberate break from tradition, placing a figure with unparalleled sporting credibility at the forefront of the federation’s new direction.

Bianchedi’s credentials are underscored by her status as a two-time Olympic champion, a medical graduate, and a leader with master’s degrees in sports and management. Her dual role as vice-president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (Coni) and head of delegation is framed as a bridge between football and the broader sporting landscape. Malagò described the appointment as a response to public demand for a more inclusive and transparent football culture.

"A cultural revolution," Malagò said. "Being vice-president of Coni while serving as the institutional face of Italian football is about putting the sport back at the center of a 360-degree dialogue with all of sport."

The appointment of Bianchedi completes a symbolic circle that had previously included Roberto Mancini, Roberto Ranieri, and Gianfranco Zola in key roles. Yet the path to this point was anything but linear. Paolo Maldini, the federation’s technical director, stepped aside after just two weeks, a decision Malagò described as a matter of principle.

"I will meet Maldini after the holidays," Malagò said. "His and Leonardo’s decision to step back reflects what I call behavioral linearity. It happened that way."

The federation’s stance was tested again when Andrea Pirlo’s potential appointment collapsed over reports of his collaboration with a Russian betting site. Malagò insisted the decision was made swiftly and correctly.

"Everything was ready for the announcement," he said. "Then the story about Pirlo’s link to a Russian betting site emerged. I didn’t sleep, but I’m convinced we made the right call."

Malagò also confirmed that the federation explored the possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola, a move he framed as part of a broader philosophy shared by Maldini and Leonardo. The idea, he argued, was not to hide ambition but to align with a vision that had already been publicly discussed.

"Why not do it when the Guardiola track became public? Trying to bring Pep to the Azzurri bench responded to a precise footballing philosophy," Malagò said. "If photos of Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona start circulating, the die is cast. Hiding the evidence becomes impossible."

Mancini’s return as head coach was presented as the logical choice, praised for his deep knowledge of the national team environment and his ability to develop young talent. Malagò recounted receiving messages from players endorsing Mancini during the uncertainty surrounding Pirlo’s tenure.

"Many players wrote to me saying he would have been the best choice," Malagò said. "It wasn’t just Donnarumma’s message."

The personal relationship between Malagò and Mancini was downplayed. Malagò acknowledged a passing acquaintance through social games at the Circolo Aniene but insisted their bond had no bearing on the appointment.

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"We know each other from a long time ago," he said. "We played a couple of matches among ‘oldies’ at the club, but we’ve never socialized. It’s a narrative that’s taken on a life of its own, but it’s irrelevant to the decision."

Mancini’s swift acceptance of the role—signing the contract in under two minutes—was highlighted as a sign of his commitment. Malagò also noted that Mancini was prepared to address questions about his decision to leave the federation for a role in Saudi Arabia.

The Serie A clubs largely supported Bianchedi’s appointment from the outset, though not unanimously. Antonio Conte also emerged as a candidate for the head coach position, with Malagò acknowledging that many clubs preferred him.

"Not everyone, to tell the truth," Malagò said. "But the majority did want us to choose Antonio."

Malagò framed his final decision as a statement of independence, reaffirming Mancini’s suitability without further elaboration. He also expressed gratitude to Conte for his professionalism and commitment to the national team’s interests, stressing that the federation had never contacted him.

"We never reached out to Conte," Malagò said. "We must thank him for his words and his attitude toward the national team’s well-being."

The first fifty days have been marked by abrupt turns and unpredictable developments. Malagò dismissed criticism of his leadership style, including remarks comparing him to a historical Roman figure, and instead emphasized forward-looking collaboration with Sports Minister Abodi.

"Andrea and I have spoken after these comments," he said. "Looking ahead is our shared intention. We need to focus on system-level issues."

With the new governance structure still in its early stages, Malagò acknowledged the challenges of operating midway through a legislative term and just weeks before the start of the season. He hinted at a timeline for formalizing objectives once the federation’s internal processes are complete.

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"This new governance started halfway through the legislative term and in a month—late June—too close to the start of the season," he said. "Traditionally, voting takes place between January and February."

Malagò defended the long-term vision he has set out for Italian football, stressing that cultural change must accompany immediate results. He pointed to upcoming competitions like the Nations League in late September as immediate priorities, while insisting that investment in youth development remains essential for future success.

"We know we face the Nations League at the end of September," he said. "But we must also look to the base, to the young players who represent the future. I know we have Euro 2028, the World Cup 2030, and Euro 2032 ahead, but since the elimination by Bosnia, no new talents have emerged to build around."

The federation’s preparations for Euro 2032, co-hosted with Turkey, were also addressed. While Turkey has stadiums ready, Malagò noted that Italy’s Allianz Stadium is the only venue currently compliant with all required parameters.

"I’m not worried," he said. "But I’m the kind of person who doesn’t want to lose a second. We won’t, thanks to the collaboration of everyone involved."

Malagò declined to speculate on whether Italy’s five major cities—Turin, Milan, Rome, Florence, and Naples—would host matches, deferring to the technical offices. He closed by reaffirming Italy’s close ties with European football’s governing body, UEFA, when asked about the future of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"We are Italy, and Italy is indissolubly linked to UEFA," he said.

Bianchedi’s appointment closes a symbolic circle, but Malagò insists the focus must remain on tangible progress. "I feel a positive energy, a new energy," he said. "I’m optimistic. Now it’s time to let the pitch take over."