Gianfranco Zola appointed coordinator of youth projects for Italy's Club Italia

Former Italy forward Gianfranco Zola has been named coordinator of the youth‑project sector of the FIGC’s Club Italia. The appointment was announced on 5 August 2026 by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who said Zola’s “charisma, preparation and commitment to young players” make him ideal for the role. Club Italia president Claudio Ranieri and Lega Pro president Matteo Marani also supported the decision. Zola will work alongside technical coordinator Maurizio Viscidi to develop the pipeline of Italian youth national teams, building on the “Zola reform” that increased opportunities for young players in Serie C. He will retain his position as vice‑president of Lega Pro while focusing on talent identification, training programmes and the overall structure of the youth squads. The federation expects the move to strengthen the future of Italian football.