Italian expert leaves Slovakia's helm after four years

The Slovak Football Association (SFZ) has confirmed the departure of Italian coach Francesco Calzona, ending a four-year tenure at the helm of the national team. The decision, reached after open discussions, signals a new chapter for Slovak football. Calzona's time with the team saw them reach the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, a notable achievement, though their failure to qualify for the World Cup remained a point of contention.

The primary reason for the split appears to be a disagreement over contract length. The SFZ reportedly offered Calzona a two-year extension, while the coach sought a longer commitment. This divergence in expectations ultimately proved insurmountable, leading to the mutual agreement to part ways. Calzona, who also had coaching stints with Napoli and served as their interim head coach, was initially recommended to the SFZ by former Slovak international Marek Hamšík.

From our perspective at Večernji List, while Calzona's contributions are acknowledged, particularly the Euro 2024 performance, the inability to secure a World Cup berth is a significant missed opportunity. The association's stance on the contract duration suggests a desire for long-term stability and a clear vision for the future, which may not have aligned with Calzona's aspirations. The search for a new coach will now be paramount as Slovakia looks to build on its recent successes and aim for greater international recognition.

“

Nakon otvorene rasprave složili smo se da Calzona neće nastaviti s nacionalnom momčadi