Zola in line to complete Italy set-up along with Mancini and Ranieri

Zola in line to complete Italy set-up along with Mancini and RanieriRoberto Mancini is officially back as the head coach of the Italy national team, Claudio Ranieri has stepped into the position of FIGC technical director following the resignation of Paolo Maldini, and the latest reports indicate that Gianfranco Zola is in line to complete the new Azzurri set-up.

Could Zola join Italy national team set-up with Mancini and Ranieri?It has been a rollercoaster few days for the Italy national team and the FIGC. Maldini and his advisor Leonardo left their positions with the FIGC just 16 days after being appointed after failing to appoint any of their top three candidates for the head coach position: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola or Andrea Pirlo.

>On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Mancini would instead return to the position of Italy national team head coach and that Ranieri would replace Maldini as technical director.

ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS – JUNE 15: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini attends before the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

>There is still one position within the national team set-up yet to be filled: That is Gianluigi Buffon’s old position as head of delegation. This role has also previously been held by Gigi Riva and Gianluca Vialli.

>This time around the role of delegation chief is expected to have a bigger focus on the youth teams and the links between them and the senior national side. The new head of delegation would work with the first team, but also alongside youth team co-ordinator Maurizio Viscidi.

>According to the latest reports from Sport Mediaset, Giovanni Malagò’s preferred candidate for the role is Zola, who is currently acting as vice-President of the Lega Pro. Zola is said to be happy in his current role and is not thinking about leaving, but is still expected to hold talks over a potential shift in position within the next few hours.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Gianfranco Zola reacts prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

>Beppe Bergomi, who had also been under consideration for the technical director position, is among the list of potential alternatives according to Wednesday’s reports.