Giovanni Malagò Faces Serie A Backlash Over Roberto Mancini’s National Team Appointment

Serie A club presidents voiced strong anger after FIGC president Giovanni Malagò announced former national coach Roberto Mancini as Italy’s new head coach. Club leaders claimed the decision was made without consultation, describing it as a “National team of Rome North” driven by cronyism. Some clubs had previously discussed appointing Antonio Conte and even considered challenging Malagò’s authority, but the appointment proceeded unilaterally. The discontent highlights a power struggle within Italian football, with senior clubs accusing Malagò of ignoring their influence and seeking to control the national team agenda for the next four‑year cycle.