According to Italian media outlet Tuttomercato, Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago introduced new national team coach Roberto Mancini and new technical director Claudio Ranieri at a press conference, while also addressing the controversy surrounding the €50 fee charged for the live broadcast of the press conference.
Malago stated, "I believe the focus today should be entirely on Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri. Yesterday, I explained the responsibilities and personnel arrangements for the national team coach, technical director, and Italian club president. I am very pleased, and I believe they are as well. We have missed out on three consecutive World Cups, and we are acutely aware of the weight of our responsibilities. Today, a friend told me that we haven't played in the knockout stages of the World Cup for a full 20 years, which speaks volumes. I hope to finalize another appointment before the end of this week to improve the technical management structure of the Football Association. Recent events have further heightened the level of public attention, and this incredible pressure has a positive side. Perhaps because the new league season hasn't started yet and the World Cup has just ended, everyone's attention is focused on this issue—football truly touches everyone, and I'm surprised to see opinions from people of all social classes and genders. This is the charm of this country, and it also has its frustrating aspects, but we are happy to be in the spotlight."
Regarding the issue of charging for live streaming of this press conference
Malago responded, “I always take responsibility for my decisions. I previously inquired whether this was the first time such a fee had been charged, and the answer was that it had been standard practice since 2020. But I can make it clear that if this is indeed inappropriate, we will revert to the regular free live broadcast arrangement. If necessary, we can hold a meeting with media representatives after the holiday to discuss this, but I must emphasize that this is not paid news. Our official broadcaster is RAI (Italian National Television), who has the corresponding broadcasting rights. The relevant matters need to be evaluated, and all media outlets that wish to cover the event are here today. I have made myself perfectly clear, and it is regrettable that this matter has been exploited in a typical Italian manner.”
