Giuseppe Signori is starting a new chapter with the national team. The former striker has been appointed head of delegation for the U20s, coached by Carmine Nunziata. He returns to the Azzurri in a different role after a distinguished playing career that brought 28 caps, seven goals and a runners-up medal at the 1994 World Cup. Signori will now share his experience with the next generation, helping young players develop and strengthening their connection to the Italy shirt.

The appointment was made by Giovanni Malagò, the FIGC commissioner, in agreement with Claudio Ranieri, the federation’s technical director and president of Club Italia. Malagò highlighted the former striker’s qualities both on and off the pitch: “We’re delighted to welcome Giuseppe Signori to the FIGC as head of delegation for the Italy U20 team. Beppe was one of Italian football’s greatest strikers, excelling in Serie A and for the Azzurri through his talent, goalscoring instinct and outstanding professionalism. His story, both on and off the pitch, has particular significance for the Federation. His experience, expertise and enthusiasm for this new challenge will play an important part in developing our young players and strengthening their sense of belonging to the national team.”

“Returning to the Azzurri is a special feeling and a huge source of pride,” said Giuseppe Signori. “I’ll use my experience to support the U20 players as they develop, helping them take that final step towards their dream and preparing them for the biggest stages. I’d like to thank President Malagò for giving me this opportunity. I’m highly motivated and eager to contribute to the FIGC and the Azzurri.”

Born in Alzano Lombardo, in the province of Bergamo, on 17 February 1968, Signori made his name at Zdeněk Zeman’s Foggia before becoming one of Lazio’s defining figures in the 1990s. He finished as Serie A’s top scorer three times with the Biancocelesti, scoring 26 goals in 32 games in 1992/93, 23 in 24 in 1993/94 and 24 in 31 in 1995/96. His 127 goals in total for the club secured his place in Lazio’s history. Across his Serie A career, he scored 188 goals in 344 appearances, placing him tenth on the competition’s all-time scoring list. After a spell at Sampdoria, he found a new footballing home at Bologna, where he spent six seasons and scored 84 goals. He made his debut for the senior national team in a 0-0 draw with Portugal on 31 May 1992 and played at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The Azzurri finished runners-up after losing the final 3-2 on penalties to Brazil in Pasadena on 17 July 1994. More than 30 years after that World Cup campaign, Signori returns to Italy’s colours with a new role: helping develop the talents who will shape the future of Italian football.