Furious Serie A clubs didn’t want Mancini as Italy head coach

Furious Serie A clubs didn’t want Mancini as Italy head coach Multiple reports suggest that Serie A clubs are upset about Roberto Mancini’s appointment, not only because they preferred Antonio Conte, but also because of how Giovanni Malagò handled the decision-making process. Serie A clubs are unhappy with Mancini’s appointment as Italy’s head coach and particularly with how the final decision has been made by FIGC President Malagò. According to reports from Corriere della Sera, Tuttosport and Gazzetta dello Sport, Serie A Presidents believed that Conte was the ideal candidate for the coaching position and were even ready to contribute to paying part of his salary. Regardless of their technical evaluation of the new coach, however, they felt that Malagò should have involved them in the decision-making process, rather than choosing the new coach on his own. REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 01: Keep Racism Out logo is seen prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 01, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) The disappointment from Lega Serie A is further boosted by the fact that Serie A presidents advocated for Malagò’s election as the FIGC President, allowing him to get elected on June 22, beating Giancarlo Abete. Given their effort in Malagò’s election, they hoped the new FIGC President would share any decision on a new coach with them, which didn’t happen. Serie A representatives believe that the close friendship between Malagò and Mancini was a decisive factor in the decision, leaving them feeling sidelined throughout the process. AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Serie A clubs made their feelings clear through Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli and other club representatives during yesterday’s FIGC Federal Council, arguing that the Federation’s components should have been heard before making a final decision. Malagò, on the other hand, hit back, saying there was no more time to waste after the Andrea Pirlo saga and the resignation of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo. Serie A eventually released a statement to welcome Mancini and technical director Claudio Ranieri “after intense hours that were certainly not easy.” “What matters now is to look ahead with unity and spirit of cooperation,” Serie A added. As Corriere highlights, ‘we’ll see how long this will last’ while Tuttosport adds on its front page: ‘Who knows how they will sit down for the reforms…’