Team Endorses New Leadership
Members of the Ukrainian national squad have voiced their support for Andrea Maldera taking over as head coach. Key players conveyed their stance directly to Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF). Maldera, a 54-year-old Italian specialist, previously served on Shevchenko's coaching staff. According to insider Fabrizio Romano, the contract between the UAF and Maldera is currently being finalized.
Shifts in the Squad
Maldera steps in for Serhiy Rebrov, who left the Ukrainian national team on April 22 of this year. Under Rebrov’s guidance, the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, losing 1–3 to Sweden in the semifinal of the qualification playoffs.
In June, Ukraine is scheduled to play friendly matches against Poland and Denmark. In the fall of 2026, the team will compete in League B of the Nations League, facing the following opponents:
- Hungary
- Georgia
- Northern Ireland
Andrea Maldera's appointment marks a fresh start for the Ukrainian national team as it aims to regain its competitive edge on the global stage. The new coach's primary tasks include preparing the squad for upcoming fixtures and ensuring a strong performance in the Nations League. The players' endorsement reflects unity and a collective readiness to move forward under new leadership.
As Andrea Maldera takes the reins of the Ukrainian national team, his appointment marks a significant milestone, being the first foreign coach in the team's history. This transition comes at a crucial time, as the team looks to rebuild and strengthen its performance. To learn more about the implications of this historic decision, read about the first foreign coach leading Ukraine's national team.