The Italian Football Federation has appointed legendary former captain Paolo Maldini as its new Technical Director, aiming to leverage his experience to revitalise the national team's international standing after recent World Cup qualification struggles.
Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) first approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team coaching job before engaging with Pep Guardiola, as they seek to rebuild the Azzurri after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions said on Friday, confirming media reports.
Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.
Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.
Italian Football federation chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Italy crash out of World Cup qualification for the third straight time, losing to Bosnia on penalties, sparking outrage and calls for sweeping changes.
Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as Italy manager after the national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Italy's consistent failure to qualify for recent World Cups stems from a deep-seated issue in nurturing young football talent, according to 2006 World Cup winners Marco Amelia and Massimo Oddo.
Football giants Italy begin cricket World Cup's maiden campaign against Scotland
Italy name 15-member squad for ICC men's T20 World Cup
England finally rediscovered their attacking mojo, riding on an explosive start and a splendid late surge from Will Jacks to post a challenging 202 for seven against Italy in their must-win Group C clash, in Kolkata, on Monday.
Group C promises one of the most competitive battles at the T20 World Cup, with former champions England and West Indies joined by ambitious sides Scotland, Nepal and debutants Italy.
Four-time World champions Italy now have to battle through the playoffs in March if they are to avoid missing the tournament for a third straight occasion.
Italy beat Israel 3-0 at home on Tuesday thanks to a Mateo Retegui double and a late goal from Gianluca Mancini.
Have you joined the rediff fan club to support your favourite football team in the World Cup 2006?
Italy face the shocking possibility of failing to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
It will be the fifth edition in a row that the two heavyweights have met head to head at a European Championship.
Israel debutant Yarden Shua scored an 86th-minute winner as they upset more fancied Belgium 1-0 in Budapest on Sunday.
Italy's victory over Belgium was celebrated as a triumph of the team over individual talents, but Friday's opponents Sweden are relying on the singular genius of frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic to get their Euro 2016 campaign off the ground.
Riccardo Calafiori's second-half own goal earned dominant Spain a 1-0 victory over defending champions Italy on Thursday to qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group B winners.
Italy recovered from the shock of conceding the fastest goal ever scored at a European Championship to beat Albania 2-1 on Saturday as Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella ensured the defending champions made a winning start.
France qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League despite a lacklustre goalless draw against Israel on Thursday.
Andrea Binaghi, who has headed the Italian tennis federation (FITP) since 2001, pointed to reforms over the last 10-15 years to decentralise the coaching system and offer more financial, technical and psychological support to young talent.
Roberto Mancini has resigned as head coach of the Italian national team.
Summary of the Europa League semi-final matches played on Thursday.
Italians across the country hailed a great summer, during which they also won the European soccer championship and the Eurovision song contest.
Italy and England have faced each other 27 times, the Azzurri winning 11 to Three Lions' eight, with eight draws.
The winners will play either Belgium or Portugal in the quarter-finals next Friday in Munich.
A summary of Saturday's action in the Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
Images from the Euro 2024 qualifying matches on Friday.
Italy won the European Championship for the first time since 1968 as Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two England penalties en route to a 3-2 shootout win after the teams had fought out a 1-1 extra-time draw in Wembley on Sunday.
Italy set up a Euro 2020 semi-final with Spain after first half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne led the Azzurri to a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday in an entertaining encounter in which both sides created a number of chances.
Italy are one win away from being crowned champions of Europe
Italy are back and they have a point to prove.
Spain ended European champions Italy's world record 37-match unbeaten run as Ferran Torres scored twice in a 2-1 win at the San Siro stadium in an entertaining Nations League semi-final on Wednesday.
'If this (victory) remains a beautiful memory in a dark moment or if instead it becomes a symbol of rebirth depends only on us.'
Italy will face the runners-up of Group C next in London on June 26, while Wales will take on the runners-up of Group B on the same day in Amsterdam.
Italy's third goal made history as it marked the first time they had scored three goals in a match at the Euros in their 39th attempt.
Italy face a tough opening day task against a resilient and talented Turkey side that impressed in qualifying and has a penchant for big games.
