sevendayweekender – Andrea Maldera has been named the new head coach of the Ukraine national football team. The Italian becomes the first foreign manager to take charge of Ukraine’s senior national side.
He replaces Serhiy Rebrov, who left the role in April after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Strong Previous Connection With Ukraine
Maldera is not unfamiliar with Ukrainian football. He previously worked as assistant coach to Andriy Shevchenko during Shevchenko’s time managing the national team between 2016 and 2021.
That period included Ukraine reaching the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2020, one of the country’s strongest performances at a major international tournament.
Now serving as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, Shevchenko strongly supported Maldera’s appointment.
Shevchenko described him as “an Italian with a Ukrainian soul” and highlighted both his experience and understanding of the national team environment.
Experience Working With Roberto De Zerbi
Maldera has built much of his recent coaching career working alongside Roberto De Zerbi.
He served as De Zerbi’s assistant during spells at:
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Olympique de Marseille
Those experiences helped Maldera gain exposure to both Premier League and European-level football environments.
De Zerbi himself is now manager of Tottenham Hotspur, where Maldera had also been linked through previous coaching connections.
First Senior Head Coach Role
The Ukraine position represents Maldera’s first major appointment as a senior national team head coach. Although he has spent years working as an assistant under high-profile managers, this role now gives him the opportunity to lead a national side independently.
Shevchenko emphasized that Maldera’s ambition to become a head coach played an important role in the decision.
The Ukrainian federation also believes his previous familiarity with the squad structure and national setup will help ease the transition.
New Era for Ukraine National Team
Ukraine now enters a rebuilding phase following disappointment in World Cup qualifying. The federation appears to be aiming for a more modern tactical approach by appointing a coach heavily influenced by De Zerbi’s possession-based football philosophy.
Maldera’s experience at club level under progressive coaching systems could shape the future identity of the national team.
His challenge will now be guiding Ukraine back into contention for qualification at major international tournaments while managing expectations during a period of transition.
As the first foreign coach in the country’s history, Maldera’s appointment also marks a significant moment for Ukrainian football.
