Carlos Tevez Backs Conte-Maldini Italy Project, Slams Allegri, Spalletti and Scaloni

Carlos Tevez has publicly backed an Italy national team project led by Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini, labeling them the ideal duo to restore the Azz...

Jul 5, 2026 2 min read 35 views

Carlos Tevez Backs Conte-Maldini Italy Project, Slams Allegri, Spalletti and Scaloni

Editorial illustration

Text Size

Former Juventus star Carlos Tevez has thrown his weight behind an ambitious Italy project led by Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini, while launching scathing attacks on Massimiliano Allegri, Luciano Spalletti and even his own national team coach Lionel Scaloni.

Tevez: 'Conte and Maldini the perfect duo for Italy'

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, the ex-Argentina forward insisted that the Italian national team revival should be entrusted to the pair of Conte and Maldini. "I know Antonio very well from our time together at Juventus. He is a born winner, a motivator who can transform any group," Tevez said. "And Paolo Maldini represents the very essence of Italian football — elegance, leadership, defensive mastery. Together they would bring back the Azzurri to the top."

Conte and Maldini are the only ones who can restore Italy's identity. The FIGC must act now.

Fury at Allegri and Spalletti

Tevez did not hold back when assessing current Italian coaches. "Allegri plays football from another era — it's all about results without style. Spalletti had one good season at Napoli but has never proven he can build a lasting project," he blasted. The Argentine added that Italy's recent struggles stem from a lack of clear tactical identity, something Conte and Maldini would immediately fix.

Allegri's football puts me to sleep. Spalletti is not a leader. Italy deserves better.

Scaloni in the firing line

In a surprise turn, Tevez also took aim at Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. "He was lucky to have Messi in the form of his life in 2022. Without him, what has he achieved? Nothing," Tevez claimed. The remarks are likely to stoke further controversy back home, where Tevez has often clashed with the AFA hierarchy.

Key Takeaways

Carlos Tevez endorses a joint Conte-Maldini leadership for the Italian national team.
He sharply criticizes Massimiliano Allegri's defensive approach and Luciano Spalletti's lack of long-term vision.
The former striker also questions Lionel Scaloni's credentials, attributing Argentina's 2022 World Cup win to Lionel Messi.
Tevez believes Italy must rediscover its tactical identity to compete at the highest level again.