Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 29 Jul 2026
Donnarumma backs Mancini as Italy coach amid FIFA-UEFA rift
Italy captain Donnarumma texted FIGC president to thank him for choosing Mancini.
G. Donnarumma
player
Who
Gianluigi Donnarumma
What
Approved Roberto Mancini as new Italy coach via text
When
After Mancini and Ranieri press conference
Context
UEFA and FIFA in 'total conflict'
What happened. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò revealed that Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma sent a text approving the appointment of Roberto Mancini as coach.
- Donnarumma texted: 'President, thank you, this is exactly what the squad and I wanted.'
- Malagò also noted UEFA and FIFA are in 'total conflict'.
- Mancini replaced Andrea Pirlo, who was blocked due to betting brand ties.
“President, thank you, this is exactly what the squad and I wanted.”
— Gianluigi Donnarumma
Malagò faces growing schism between UEFA and FIFA over competition investments.
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