Rolando Maran has been appointed as the new head coach of the Albania national team, the Albanian Football Federation announced on Tuesday morning. The 62-year-old Italian manager will take over from Sylvinho, marking his first foray into international management.
Maran most recently managed in Serie A with Genoa, having previously held positions at Chievo and Cagliari. His appointment continues a trend of Italian managers leading the Albanian national side, following in the footsteps of Giuseppe Dossena (2002), Gianni De Biasi (2012-2017), Christian Panucci (2017-2019), and Edoardo Reja (2019-2022).
Albania finished Group I of Euro 2024 qualifying in third place with 10 points, behind Poland and the Czech Republic. This result means they will participate in the play-offs for a spot at the tournament, providing Maran with an immediate opportunity to qualify for a major international competition. The team is scheduled to play Israel on June 3rd in Maran’s first match in charge.
Maran’s managerial career has been characterized by a focus on tactical flexibility and developing young players. While he has not achieved major silverware, he has consistently kept teams competitive in Serie A, often exceeding expectations with limited resources. His experience in navigating the challenges of Italian football could prove valuable as Albania seeks to establish itself as a competitive force in European football. The appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Albanian Football Federation to build upon the progress made under previous Italian coaches, aiming for continued success in upcoming qualifying campaigns and international tournaments.
