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Gianfranco Zola is set to return to the Italy national team setup as part of a sweeping revamp of the Azzurri management structure.

The Italian Football Federation has officially confirmed that the legendary forward will rejoin the national team framework in a key backroom position. Zola will be part of an elite management group charged with modernising the Azzurri, alongside newly appointed head coach Roberto Mancini and technical director Claudio Ranieri.

A legendary return to Coverciano

The FIGC has formally announced Zola’s appointment as the new youth co-ordinator for the national team. The former Chelsea and Parma star is expected to be the final component in a major administrative and technical restructuring aimed at rebuilding Italian football from the grassroots level upward. The move brings Zola back together with some of the most highly regarded figures in the Italian game, forming a powerful leadership unit at the centre of the FIGC’s new sporting project.

FIGC President Giovanni Malago confirmed the appointment this week, completing a plan he had first presented during the recent unveiling of Roberto Mancini as head coach and Claudio Ranieri as technical director. Zola’s arrival is being viewed as a strategic step to connect the youth system more closely with the senior side, helping establish a consistent philosophy throughout every level of the Azzurri setup.

Malago confirms the vision

In comments to news agency ANSA, Malago said he was extremely pleased to bring Zola into the national project. The FIGC chief stressed that the decision was made jointly with the federation’s senior leadership and the domestic leagues. "Ranieri and I strongly wanted Zola, agreeing the choice with the Lega Pro President Matteo Marani, so he will continue to be the vice-president of the Lega Pro too," Malago said.

The President also underlined the particular strengths Zola offers, saying his standing as a gentleman of the game carries as much value as his tactical knowledge. "Zola’s charisma, his preparation, and the efforts to help young players that were clear over these years with the Lega Pro represent the best foundations on which to build our future," Malago added.

Ranieri’s focus on accessibility

Ranieri has already outlined the wider aims for this new phase, with special attention on the socio-economic obstacles facing young footballers in Italy. At his introductory press conference, Ranieri said he wanted to examine why youth academies have become so costly for families, reducing opportunities for players who in the past might have progressed further in their careers. The combination of Ranieri’s technical leadership and Zola’s youth co-ordination is expected to produce a more effective scouting and development network across the whole of Italy, giving fresh life to a system that has struggled in recent years.

"I thank him, because he accepted with enthusiasm, willingness, and responsibility. With Ranieri, Mancini, and Zola, we want to build a new vision for Italian football," Malago stated.

From English dugouts to a homecoming

Zola’s route to this executive position has been shaped by broad international coaching experience. After ending his playing career, he moved into management and coached sides including West Ham United, Watford, and Birmingham City in England, as well as having spells with Cagliari and Al-Arabi. His most recent major coaching assignment came in the 2018-19 season, when he worked as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant at Chelsea.