Malag Confirms Donnarumma's Support for Mancini as Coach

Giovanni Malag, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), announced that Italy's captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, is supportive of Roberto Mancini's appointment as the new head coach of the national team. This statement came despite Donnarumma's concerns regarding the controversial departure of the former coach to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Malag revealed that Donnarumma expressed his gratitude through a message, stating, “President, thank you, this is what the team and I want.” The announcement follows a period of upheaval within FIGC, marked by the resignations of technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo after Andrea Pirlo's failed bid for a coaching position. Additionally, Malag addressed the escalating conflict between UEFA and FIFA, particularly regarding FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's suggestion to privatize shares of lucrative tournaments like the FIFA World Cup.

Malag affirmed UEFA's strong opposition to this idea, indicating a significant rift between the two organizations.