Carnevali criticises Malago over Mancini choice

Giovanni Carnevali has criticised Giovanni Malagò’s decision to appoint Roberto Mancini as Italy manager, arguing that the FIGC president should have prioritized ability over relationships. According to CalcioMercato.com, the Juventus chief executive used an appearance at a La Stampa event to question the direction taken by Italian football’s governing body. Carnevali stated, “Despite being a great figure in sport, in my view the new FIGC president could have moved better.” He expressed that they had asked Malagò to build a federation resembling a football club, emphasizing the need for a technical director and a sporting director. "We need to start again from the foundations, from young players and educators, with a sporting project."

The former Sassuolo executive specifically pointed out that Serie A had offered to help fund a higher-profile appointment, which is understood to refer to Antonio Conte. “As Serie A, we had proposed making an investment to find coaches of quality,” he remarked. “You shouldn’t bring in friends, but capable people.”

Carnevali also expressed sympathy for Andrea Pirlo, who was the early frontrunner before he was dropped from consideration. “I also feel sorry for Andrea Pirlo, who was attacked very strongly for choices that were perhaps mistaken,” Carnevali noted. “But it would have been better to think about it beforehand.”

He broadened his criticism to world football’s governing body, aligning himself with European federations that are at odds with FIFA. “There are 55 federations opposed to what FIFA is pursuing,” he said. “What Infantino is doing is there for all to see, a different direction from a few years ago. I like things done cleanly, and FIFA isn’t upholding the values I believe in. The fact that 55 federations disagree is already an important step; there will be a chance to stop them.