Gianfranco Zola returns to the Azzurri in a new role within Club Italia, where he will coordinate the Club’s youth projects. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò and Club Italia President Claudio Ranieri both identified him as the ideal figure to complete the leadership team of the federal structure responsible for overseeing the management and development of Italy's national teams. The appointment was also supported by Lega Pro President Matteo Marani, with Zola set to continue in his role as the league's First Vice President.

The architect of the youth development initiative that bears his name - a programme designed to encourage the use of young players in Serie C - Zola, who earned 35 caps and scored 10 goals for Italy during his playing career, will once again serve the Azzurri. His remit will extend across the entire youth pathway, working alongside Maurizio Viscidi to strengthen the development of Italy's national youth teams.

"His charisma, expertise and the commitment he has shown to developing young players during his time with Lega Pro provide the ideal foundations on which to build our future," said Malagò. "I would like to thank him for accepting this role with enthusiasm, eagerness and a great awarenesss of his responsibility. Together with Ranieri, Mancini and Zola, we want to build a new future for Italian football."

"I would like to thank President Malagò for thinking of me for this role," said Gianfranco Zola. "It is recognition of the excellent work carried out in Lega Pro together with the league's staff, clubs and governance. I am delighted to put myself at the service of Italian football with enthusiasm, commitment and a strong sense of duty, focusing above all on the development and growth of the next generation of Italian talent."