Gianfranco Zola has officially been appointed to a new position within the Italy national-team structure, taking responsibility for coordinating projects involving the country’s youth and junior sides.
The appointment was confirmed by a press release from the Italian Football Federation, one week after reports first indicated that the former Napoli and Chelsea player could be set for a return to work with the national teams.
Zola’s role will focus on projects connected with Italy’s youth and young national teams. The announcement brings the former attacking player back into the international set-up in an organisational capacity, following his distinguished spell as an Italy footballer.
The 58-year-old represented the Azzurri 35 times during his playing career. He was also part of the Italy side that reached the final of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
That tournament remains one of the most significant moments in Italy’s recent international history. However, the national team’s strongest performances at major tournaments have become increasingly distant, with the country’s last appearance at a World Cup coming in 2014.
Italy have not been present at the World Cup since that tournament, underlining the contrast between the achievements of the side in which Zola played and the difficulties the national team has experienced in subsequent years.
Zola, who played for both Napoli and Chelsea, is now set to contribute to the development of Italy’s younger international teams through his new coordinating position. His responsibilities will be linked specifically to projects involving the youth and junior national squads.
The move was not unexpected after reports emerged last week that he was being considered for a new job with the Italian national teams. The Federation’s statement has now formally confirmed the appointment.
During his international career, Zola earned 35 caps for Italy and was involved in the squad that progressed to the 1994 World Cup final. His return to the national-team organisation therefore links a former senior international with the next generation of Italian players.
The Federation has not provided further details about the individual projects included in the role. Its announcement confirms only that Zola will act as coordinator for initiatives involving Italy’s youth and young national teams.
His appointment comes against the backdrop of Italy’s long absence from the World Cup. The Azzurri’s most recent participation was in 2014, meaning the country has not returned to football’s biggest international tournament since then.
For now, Zola’s new work will be focused away from the senior team and on the development projects surrounding the younger age groups. The appointment gives him a formal role within the Italian Football Federation and marks his latest involvement with the national game after his 35-match international career.
