More than the names, Dino Zoff questions the project. The former goalkeeper and national team coach looks with confidence at the new pair formed by Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri, but continues to have doubts about the role of the technical director, a figure introduced by the new FIGC and at the center of debate after the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.
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At 84 years old, the 1982 world champion observes with bitterness the moment of the Azzurri, coming off three consecutive missed qualifications for the World Cup: “It can’t get any worse. I hope that Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri will revive the fortunes of our football. All of Italy needs to dream again about football,” he says in an interview with La Repubblica, convinced that it is time to change gear.
Zoff’s attention, however, focuses especially on the organization of the Federation. The point that continues not to convince him is the figure of the technical director, introduced in the new federal structure. “I would like to understand, without controversy, what this role is for — he explains — what the technical director does and what this role is for as conceived. I’m not saying this to stir controversy, but to get some answers.” To explain his thoughts, he also recalls his own experience: “When I coached the National Team, I had someone like Gigi Riva acting as a director and team manager. His role was very clear, defined, effective.”
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Regarding the return of Roberto Mancini, the judgment remains positive despite the controversies following his 2023 departure: “Roberto is a man of experience. He can revive the fortunes of our football. He has already proven he can win, the rest doesn’t matter.” Words of great esteem also for Claudio Ranieri: “Claudio is an extraordinary person, who always adds something extra wherever he goes. His resume tells the story. I am convinced it will be the same with the National Team.”
As for Paolo Maldini, Zoff avoids any criticism: “I know Paolo, he is a decent person, very well-mannered.” And on the resignation he concludes: “They must have had their reasons for taking this step back, but I don’t want to get into the merits of the matter — he says — I don’t want to say whether it is right or wrong. I’m not a judge.” Then the final hope: “I am convinced that Roberto and Claudio, together, are capable of bringing us back to the World Cup, because doing worse than this is really very difficult.”
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