FIGC President Malago Tells Italy Squad: 'We Are All in the Same Boat'
The short version
- FIGC President Giovanni Malago addressed Italy's squad at Coverciano ahead of the Nations League.
- He told the players they are 'all in the same boat' after Italy's failed World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Malago backed coach Roberto Mancini's first call-ups of his second tenure.
- Italy must submit further EURO 2032 stadium documentation to UEFA by October 1, with Malago citing positive news.
Giovanni Malago visited the Italy camp at Coverciano to address coach Roberto Mancini's players ahead of the Nations League, urging unity and optimism after World Cup qualifying disappointment.
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malago visited the national team's training base at Coverciano to meet with coach Roberto Mancini and the squad, which includes several players earning their first senior international experience.
Malago, a former long-time president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), said he told the players they are all in the same boat as they head into the Nations League and look to move past their failure to qualify for the World Cup.
He said he spoke to the group about faith, optimism and self-belief, adding that sport does not always deliver the desired results but that finding joy in it still matters. He noted that Italy is watching the team closely and that everyone must show faith.
The FIGC president, who brought Mancini back for a second spell in charge, said he approved of the coach's first squad selections, describing them as a mix of established players and ones with promise for the future.
Looking ahead, Malago pointed to the European Championship in two years, a World Cup in four and a home Euros in six years, saying Italy must plan for the future while also focusing on the present.
On EURO 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkiye, Malago said UEFA requested additional documentation beyond the dossier submitted in late July, with the next deadline on October 1. He added that there has been some positive news on the six stadiums, without giving details.
