The Malta national teams have confirmed their men’s coaching structure for the 2026/27 season, combining continuity at senior and Under-21 level with several changes across the youth pathway.
The Malta FA said the organisation will remain under national teams head coach Emilio De Leo, while new appointments at Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15 level are intended to keep players moving through a connected development system.
Continuity for senior side and Under-21s
De Leo will continue to lead Malta’s senior team with Pietro Matafora, Ivan Woods and Mirko Valdifiori serving as assistant coaches. The association is recruiting a new goalkeeper coach following Francesco Cotugno’s departure.
Davide Mazzotta remains in charge of the Under-21 side, supported by Stefano Grima and Paul Gatt. That staff will oversee the team’s preparations for its forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
New roles across youth teams
Francesco Macri has been appointed Under-19 head coach, succeeding Vasco Regini. Herman Bugeja will work alongside him as assistant coach.
Macri will also assist Grima with the Under-18 team. The shared responsibilities between the two age groups are designed to give players a more consistent transition as they approach Under-21 and senior football.
Jonathan Holland moves from the Under-15 setup to take charge of Malta’s Under-17s, with Adrian Buttigieg as his assistant. Holland will also assist Mazzotta with the Under-16 side, creating another direct link between consecutive age groups.
At Under-15 level, Silvio Vella has been appointed head coach and will continue working with players he guided in the previous season’s Under-14 Regional Hubs selection. Charles Sciberras has been named as his assistant.
Development pathway remains the priority
The Malta FA presented the structure as part of its longer-term effort to create continuity for both players and coaches. Several members of staff now hold linked roles across neighbouring age groups, giving them greater visibility of players as they advance.
The announcement follows the association’s recent dialogue with Malta Premier clubs, where senior national-team officials discussed player development, communication and the demands created by the international calendar.
The association also thanked the outgoing professionals for their work. The confirmed setup now provides the framework for Malta’s senior and youth men’s teams as preparations continue for the new international season.
