I am writing this fully aware that by the time it hits your inbox, more news will have come out and whatever I’ve discussed here will be old stuff. What else am I meant to do, though? People are resigning after two weeks in their position; others are saying things in the press. Italian football is difficult to keep up with normally, never mind when a technical director steps down after just 17 days in the job. Russian betting sponsors, political stances and the need to reform Italian football quickly are all causing a bit of a whirlwind on the peninsula. What happens next, only god knows.
Paolo Maldini, appointed technical director of the Azzurri just over two weeks ago, has now resigned from his role at the FIGC amid the fallout over Andrea Pirlo becoming manager. The whole thing has been tied up in a political mess centred around Pirlo’s ties to a Russian betting company. Giovanni Malago has refused to hire Pirlo because of it, stating it’s down to the political optics rather than a sporting one. Understandable, because the brand new president of the FIGC probably can’t be seen to back a person who’s been happily pocketing Russian money regardless of context. Not only is there an ethical dilemma, but there’s also a legal one due to the site and advertising of gambling being illegal in Italy. However, Malago stepping in to deny Maldini appointing the manager he wants goes completely against the ‘unprecedented power’ and ‘full autonomy’ we were told the technical director would have. Maldini and Leonardo step away thanks to Malago intervening, reportedly feeling undermined and not being allowed to do the jobs they were given. Understandable, but from Malago’s perspective, it’s a complex situation, to say the least. The big question remains, though: why did Maldini want Andrea Pirlo so badly? Was it a favour for his mate, or did he truly believe Pirlo could thrive in a national team setting? So far, Pirlo’s managerial career has provided no evidence he’s worthy of the big job at the Azzurri, which is why many are shocked that his appointment has been the cause of all this fallout.
To be frank, it’s been a rather humiliating week for Italian football. The fallout, done very much in the public eye, has been embarassing. The new era was brought in when Malago was elected, and then Maldini’s appointment brought optimism. Naive of us, I know. But with Maldini departing, and Andrea Pirlo not becoming manager, there has been concern over what happens next. Roberto Mancini’s name, again, was high up the list in the rumours, as was Antonio Conte’s. Thiago Motta’s was a new one thrown into the hat alongside Rafaelle Palladino. For technical director, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Ranieri’s names were cycling the headlines. However, Malago has, as of today (Tuesday), confirmed Roberto Mancini is the new coach. Claudio Ranieri will reportedly take the role of the technical director, too. Although I’m sceptical about returning to Mancini, there’s a need to be successful in some way in the short term (qualifying for the Euros), and rebuild in the long term. Getting that balance is key, and Malago certainly has an even bigger task on his hands now that what’s happened this week has happened.
If you’re in the WhatsApp community, you know my feelings around Rafael Leao from last season. Regardless of injury, he was disinterested and looked like, for the most part, he’d rather be anywhere else in the world. His career at Milan is over. The bond is broken, and there’s no returning to the potential heights he was once showing. A superstar that could have been, but one that has fallen from his climb. He’s made it very public about his desire to depart Milan and find a new challenge, which means we’ve got a transfer saga on our hands for the summer. Where does Leao go? Well, clubs from Turkiye seem to be the ones making the first moves. Fenerbahçe have offered €40m, but Milan want €50m. Galatasaray and Benfica are both interested, too. Rumours of Aston Villa are circulating, too, but having just signed Alejandro Garnacho on loan, it’s put that move in doubt. Chelsea and Manchester United were also linked, but that noise seems to have cooled now.
Serie C calendar reveal - This week, the schedule for the 26/27 Serie C season will launch on 30th July. The official composition of each Girone will be decided tomorrow, and then by the end of the week, dates and times for the opening matchdays will be revealed. Nearly time to start planning your calcio trips…
Gubbio fans are protesting the management of the club - Tifosi at the club are frustrated due to a lack of a season ticket membership process and merchandising. Promises to the curva have not been fulfilled.
Lazio’s protest continues - The Curva Nord and Lazio tifosi are remaining true to their protest against owner, Claudio Lotito. 30,000 season tickets were bought last season, but as of last week, the number of renewals was reportedly estimated at 1,800. A stark drop on the terraces in Rome.
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