Capello: Maldini Ideal for Italy, Mancini’s Exit ‘Too Big to Forget’

FolioPitch.com – 13 July 2026 | In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, legendary coach Fabio Capello delivered a strong verdict on the future of Italian football. He stated, Capello nobody better than Maldini for Italy Mancini mistake too big to forget, encapsulating his view on the FIGC‘s appointment of Paolo Maldini as technical director and the enduring impact of Roberto Mancini’s sudden departure. Capello’s comments come as Italy seeks to rebuild after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Capello praised Maldini’s appointment, calling him the ideal person to lead Italy’s technical direction. “Nobody better than him would be able to do it,” Capello told the paper. “He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.” Capello nobody better than Maldini for Italy Mancini mistake too big to forget remains the central theme of his analysis, as he also criticized the former Italy boss for abandoning the team just before crucial playoff matches.

The FIGC recently appointed Maldini as technical director and president of Club Italia on a four-year contract. He will be joined by former AC Milan teammate Leonardo as an advisor. Capello expressed his approval, noting that both men understand football and are serious about their roles. “He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” Capello said of Leonardo. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do.”

Capello also reflected on Maldini’s tenure at AC Milan, where he won the Scudetto but later left due to disagreements with ownership. He stressed that Maldini must be given full control to implement his vision. “It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insisted. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use.”

On the coaching front, Capello was unequivocal about his preference for Antonio Conte over Mancini. Recalling Mancini’s resignation days before Italy’s World Cup playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Capello said, “I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.” This echoes his overarching sentiment: Capello nobody better than Maldini for Italy Mancini mistake too big to forget is not just a phrase but a philosophy for moving forward.

The Italian football federation now faces key decisions, including the appointment of a new head coach. While names like Conte, Mancini, and even Pep Guardiola have been floated, Capello’s endorsement of Conte carries weight given his history with the national team. Meanwhile, Maldini and Leonardo are expected to outline a clear project that focuses on youth development and restoring Italy’s competitive edge.

In conclusion, Capello’s remarks underscore a critical juncture for Italian football. With Maldini at the helm and Leonardo by his side, there is cautious optimism. However, the specter of Mancini’s abrupt exit lingers. As Capello reiterated, Capello nobody better than Maldini for Italy Mancini mistake too big to forget must guide the federation’s actions as it builds for the future.