Giovanni Malagò Guides Italian Football Through Coaching Row and Baresi Tribute

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said the selection of a new national team coach was marred by political maneuvering, referring to the candidacy of former midfielder Andrea Pirlo as a "failed political attempt." Buffon defended the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso, noted he would have chosen Antonio Conte, and described Roberto Mancini as a technically sound choice, while emphasizing FIGC president Giovanni Malagò’s decisive role in the process.

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò later expressed deep sorrow over the death of Franco Baresi, the legendary Milan defender and former Italy captain. He called Baresi “one of the greatest Italian football legends” and said the nation would remember him in upcoming national team matches.