Italy Staff Crisis Deepens as CONI Blocks Bianchedi’s Appointment

FolioPitch.com – 09 August 2026 | The Italy staff has a new problem, as the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) announced it is investigating an ‘incompatibility’ issue for new delegation chief Diana Bianchedi. This news comes as a blow to the revamping efforts of new FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, who has been facing a series of obstacles since taking office.

Malagò had hired Paolo Maldini as technical director of Club Italia and Leonardo as his special advisor, but both resigned within three weeks over the struggle to find a coach. This latest development may further hinder Malagò’s efforts to revamp the Nazionale, which was one of his key priorities.

Bianchedi, a former fencing champion and Olympic medalist, was appointed as the head of the delegation for the Italy national team, a role that had been filled by Gianluigi Buffon until his resignation in March. However, the CONI has now announced that it will evaluate ‘opportunities, grounds and incompatibility’ of this nomination. This is because Bianchedi already has a job within the CONI, as vice president to Luciano Buonfiglio, which would represent a conflict of interest, as well as an inability to do both roles.

The CONI oversees all sport in Italy, and Malagò had been the CONI President from 2013 to 2025. This latest development raises questions about the compatibility of Bianchedi’s roles and whether she can fulfill her duties as head of the delegation for the Italy national team. The CONI’s investigation will likely shed more light on this issue and determine whether Bianchedi’s appointment will be blocked or not.

The Italy staff has new problem as CONI blocks incompatible Bianchedi, and this development may have significant implications for the future of the team. It remains to be seen how Malagò and the CONI will resolve this issue, but one thing is certain – the Italy staff has a new problem to contend with.