The Italian Football Federation has officially confirmed that legendary forward Gianfranco Zola will return to the national team setup in a prominent backroom role. Zola joins an elite management team tasked with modernising the Azzurri, working alongside newly appointed head coach Roberto Mancini and technical director Claudio Ranieri.
Brazilian icon Romario has paid a heartfelt tribute to Franco Baresi following the death of the legendary AC Milan defender at the age of 66. The World Cup winner hailed his former rival as the single toughest opponent he encountered throughout his illustrious career, reflecting on their memorable battles on the world's biggest footballing stages.