The Malta Football Association has recently announced the appointment of Emilio De Leo as the new head coach of the national teams and technical director.
De Leo’s selection was made based on the recommendations of an advisory panel that was established to assess the final candidates for these crucial positions within the technical structure, aligning with the Association’s ongoing commitment to its technical initiatives. After presenting himself to the Malta FA Bureau this evening, De Leo will have a meeting with the members of the Executive Board tomorrow, followed by a press conference with the media.
Aged 46 and holding a UEFA Pro Licence, De Leo is highly respected in Italian football. His reputation has been further enhanced through his extensive collaboration with the late Sinisa Mihajlovic, his long-time mentor, at renowned clubs like AC Milan, Torino FC, Bologna FC, and UC Sampdoria. In addition to his domestic experience, De Leo also possesses international exposure, having served as a key member of Mihajlovic’s coaching staff during the latter’s tenure as head coach of the Serbia national team from 2012 to 2013.
De Leo will bring his extensive football knowledge and high-level experience to his new position as head coach of the national teams and technical director. He will lead the technical setup of the Malta FA, which includes four newly appointed individuals. Among them is Davide Mazzotta, who will assume responsibility for the Malta U-21 team, taking over from Ivan Woods. Woods, in turn, will serve as one of the assistant coaches for the senior team, alongside Pietro Matafora and Mirko Valdifiori.
Bjorn Vassallo, President of the Malta FA, stated: “Emilio De Leo stood out as the clear choice throughout a comprehensive selection process. The advisory panel, tasked with evaluating the shortlisted candidates, had specific guidelines regarding the qualities and values we sought in our new national coach, aligned with our strategic objectives and goals for the technical sector. De Leo not only met the established criteria in terms of experience, expertise, and qualifications but also impressed the panel with his articulate presentation on his football methodology and how he could assist us in improving our ranking.”
“We are delighted to have successfully attracted a coach of De Leo’s caliber to lead our national team and enhance our technical organization. This appointment includes the addition of three new coaches, one of whom is Davide Mazzotta, who will be in charge of the U-21 national team.
In essence, the new technical structure exemplifies the Malta FA’s strong dedication to our national teams, player development, and the overall technical setup.”
Emilio De Leo expressed, “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as the national coach for Malta. I am aware of the Maltese people’s immense passion for football, their unwavering support for their national team. It is both a privilege and a significant responsibility for me to assume the role as the national team coach.”
“I was highly impressed by the professional approach that the Malta FA employed throughout the recruitment process. This not only reflects the Association’s vision but also highlights the high standards expected from coaches working with the national teams. I am fully aware that this is a demanding job, but I have complete faith in this project. Alongside my coaching team, we will do everything possible to assist Malta in achieving success.”
THOROUGH RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The coaching positions have been carefully examined and adjusted to enhance synergy and cohesion within the technical set-up.
The process of selecting a new national coach began in November, shortly after the national team’s final UEFA Nations League qualifier. The candidates who made it to the shortlist underwent a thorough evaluation conducted by the advisory panel, which consisted of prominent Malta FA officials, a former national coach, a former national team player, and an experienced foreign technical consultant.
De Leo, Matafora, and Valdifiori, who have previously played for clubs such as Napoli and Empoli in the Serie A and have also represented Italy, will commence their duties on 1st February 2025. Alongside his role as assistant coach to De Leo for the senior national team, Matafora, who possesses a wealth of experience in player development, will also assume the position of grassroots specialist.
Malta will commence their European qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a home fixture against Finland on 21st March, followed by an away match against Poland on 24th March. The other teams in Group G consist of Lithuania and the defeated team from UEFA Nations League QF1, which will be either Spain or the Netherlands.
U-21 ROLE
The U-21 position is a newly appointed role for coach Davide Mazzotta following his brief yet successful stint as interim national team coach. Mazzotta previously served as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2023. His appointment as Malta U-21 coach provides Mazzotta with the opportunity to build upon his positive work with young players during a crucial phase of their development from youth to senior international football. The draws for the 2027 UEFA Under-21 European Championship are scheduled to take place on 6th February in Nyon.
