Who is Diana Bianchedi, the new head of the Italian delegation chosen by Giovanni Malagò?

Another move by Giovanni Malagò. The FIGC president has added a new member to the national team’s staff: multiple Olympic champion Diana Bianchedi. Previously deputy vice president of CONI, she will serve as head of delegation for the national team led by the Mancini-Ranieri duo.

“This decision responds to a need—or rather, a request—from fans, the public, and Italians: soccer must no longer be perceived as a separate entity. Diana (Bianchedi, ed.) enjoys international prestige and credibility as a two-time Olympic champion, a background marked by academic studies and specializations—a medical degree, master’s degrees in sports and management, a top leadership role at Milano Cortina, and the position of deputy vice president of CONI…,” commented Giovanni Malagò himself to *La Gazzetta dello Sport*.

Undoubtedly, this is a “cultural revolution,” as perfectly explained by the head of Italian soccer, who—to revitalize the system—is surrounding himself with people who share his vision and whom, as in the case of Diana Bianchedi, he knows and personally respects.

Born in 1969, a former Italian national fencer (specializing in foil, with two Olympic gold medals—the first in Barcelona in 1992 and the other in Sydney in 2000)—she holds a degree in medicine and surgery, with a specialization in sports medicine. During her long career in leadership, she also served as president of the Athletes’ Commission at CONI.