AGP Executive Report

Italy–Saudi Diplomacy: Rome hosted talks between Italy’s FM Antonio Tajani and Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, with both sides reaffirming support for the two-state solution, backing the Gaza ceasefire, calling for more humanitarian aid, and opposing any West Bank annexation or forcible displacement. FIGC Football Shake-up: Roberto Mancini returned to lead Italy after the federation’s chaotic search, apologizing for his earlier exit and vowing to make the Azzurri “dangerous” again, with Claudio Ranieri named technical director. Energy & Security: Libya’s NOC said gas exports to Italy via the Greenstream pipeline stay within 10% of the partner share, after protests and supply disruptions at Mellitah raised fears of wider cuts. Public Safety & Climate: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised firefighters from multiple countries, including Italy, deployed to tackle major wildfires in France and Spain. Protest Politics: Activists staged a Shell protest over wildfire-linked fossil fuel emissions, as heat-driven blazes continue to hit parts of Europe.

Italy Football Shake-Up: FIGC president Giovanni Malagò says Roberto Mancini is back as Italy coach, with Claudio Ranieri named technical director after Paolo Maldini and Leonardo quit following the FIGC’s refusal to appoint Andrea Pirlo amid Fonbet-linked controversy. Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Two Greek firefighters died battling a blaze on Crete as EU risk warnings point to more danger ahead; across southern Europe, heat and wind keep pressure on crews, with Spain and France still scrambling. Bologna Protests Probe: Bologna prosecutors opened proceedings against 12 people after disturbances tied to the death of Moroccan citizen Abderrahim Fakir during police restraint. Chisinau Mayor Under Scrutiny: Ion Ceban faces a possible one-year ban after allegations he used a diplomatic service passport during a trip to Italy while suspended. F1 Middle East Contingency: Stefano Domenicali confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are still planned, but says the season could end in Europe if the conflict prevents hosting by mid-September. Rome Diplomacy: Italy hosted a Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani pitching dialogue while pressing for Palestinian state recognition tied to peace with Israel. EU Sanctions Backfire: Reports say Russia-linked sanctions have grounded Spain’s Ka-32 firefighting helicopters due to spare parts access, worsening wildfire response capacity. Vatican Culture: The Vatican launched a five-year restoration of Raphael’s Loggia.

Italy Football Shake-Up: Italy’s FIGC has named Roberto Mancini head coach again, with Claudio Ranieri as technical director, after a chaotic search that saw Paolo Maldini quit just 16 days into the job and Andrea Pirlo ruled out over alleged ties to the Russian betting firm Fonbet. France Football Reset: Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed France national team coach on a four-year deal, replacing Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup ended in fourth place. Wildfire Pressure on Southern Europe: A fresh heatwave is threatening to worsen record wildfires across France and Spain, with tens of thousands evacuated and officials warning the coming days are critical. EU Governance & Security Appointments: Spain’s Council of Ministers approved new ambassadors for Ukraine, Latvia, Panama, and Serbia, signaling continued diplomatic staffing amid security pressures. Organised Crime & Drones: Italy’s Palermo prosecutor says Cosa Nostra is seeking mine-laying drones via Ukraine-war black markets, as authorities also scrutinize prison communications under the 41-bis regime.

Italy Football Shake-Up: Roberto Mancini is back as Italy’s national team coach for a second stint, tasked with rescuing an Azzurri side that missed the World Cup for a third straight time; FIGC president Giovanni Malagò named Claudio Ranieri as technical director after Paolo Maldini stepped down just 16 days into the job, with the federation’s chaotic search also derailed by Andrea Pirlo’s exclusion over alleged ties to a Russian betting firm. France Coaching Pivot: Zinedine Zidane was appointed France head coach on a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup, replacing Didier Deschamps after France’s 2026 semifinal exit; Zidane said he waited years for the role and rejected club offers to focus on Les Bleus. Climate & Emergencies: In Europe’s heatwave aftermath, France’s Macron warned wildfires are the toughest since WWII as evacuations continue around Bordeaux, while UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the “climate alarm is blaring” across the continent. EU Legal/Foreign Policy: The European Commission reiterated full ICC cooperation after Netanyahu’s flight again crossed airspace of Rome Statute states including Italy and France. Energy Policy: Italy approved a temporary diesel tax cut to blunt fuel-price pressure, while also pushing longer-term responses.

Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy in Rome: The US has confirmed a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome on August 4-6, with technical teams focused on fully implementing the June framework deal, expanding “pilot zones,” sorting border issues, and pushing toward a wider peace and security pact. Italian Football Turmoil: Italy’s national team overhaul is in free fall as Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign from FIGC roles just 16 days after taking them, after Andrea Pirlo said he’s no longer a candidate over backlash tied to a Russian betting sponsorship—leaving FIGC President Giovanni Malagò facing an urgent strategy vacuum. Energy Relief at the Pump: Giorgia Meloni’s government reintroduced a temporary diesel excise cut—17 euro cents per litre until August 6—to blunt fuel-price pressure on households and businesses. Wildfire Pressure on Europe: While not Italy-only, the week’s wildfire crisis has been dominated by France and Spain, with flames threatening Bordeaux and mass evacuations—an escalating political and emergency-management test for the region.

Italy Football Crisis: Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he’s out of the running to coach Italy after political backlash over his sponsorship as an ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet, with FIGC leadership and Paolo Maldini reportedly reconsidering their own positions amid the coaching search after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti also turned down the role. Wildfire Response in Europe: EU officials say the France-Spain wildfire emergency is still not fully under control, with evacuations topping 300,000 and warnings that fires could burn into early November as another heatwave threatens. Defense & Industry: Nigeria’s Air Force completed acceptance testing in Italy for the first three Leonardo M-346 fighter-attack aircraft, clearing them for delivery and training. Energy Projects: Ameresco Sunel Energy announced a 58MWp solar project in Romania’s Arad County, underscoring continued regional renewables investment. Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV named a new Holy See permanent observer to the UN, appointing Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia el-Kassis.

Wildfire Crisis in France/Spain: Monster blazes are forcing mass evacuations across southwest France and central Spain, with 325,000+ people fleeing and flames pushing toward Bordeaux; French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warns the situation is “unprecedented,” while authorities say Bordeaux itself isn’t being evacuated yet but is within striking distance. Heatwave Pressure: Officials fear another heatwave could worsen conditions as firefighters battle multiple fronts, including a new blaze near Valencia where 15,000 have already fled. Macron’s Response: France’s president is set to hold a crisis cabinet meeting as the fires create their own extreme weather, including lightning and fire-driven winds. Italy Football Politics: In Rome, Andrea Pirlo says his potential Italy coaching role is purely commercial and “not political,” after FIGC concerns over his links to a Russian betting company. Security Spotlight (Berlin): Germany’s manhunt over the Berlin Pride attack ends with the suspect shot dead by police; prosecutors describe it as Islamist-motivated.

Football & Foreign Policy: Andrea Pirlo’s bid to become Italy’s national team coach is hitting political resistance after scrutiny of his ambassadorship for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, including a Moscow appearance that drew criticism amid the Ukraine war. Youth Justice: Italy’s government approved a bill to make it easier to assign criminal responsibility to offenders aged 14–17 by shifting from case-by-case judgment to a rebuttable presumption. Aviation & Security: ITA Airways and Austrian Airlines suspended Israel flights amid Iran-related tensions, citing security concerns. Wildfire Crisis (EU): France and Spain’s wildfires are forcing mass evacuations and drawing EU support, with aircraft from Italy among the firefighting resources. Public Order & Terror (Germany): Berlin Pride was rocked by a deadly vehicle-ramming attack; German officials called it Islamist terrorism and named a suspect. Defense (Regional): Romania reported multiple drone shootdowns, while Italy-linked Eurofighter activity was mentioned in earlier interceptions.

Wildfire Crisis in Europe: France and Spain are evacuating hundreds of thousands as fast-moving blazes near Bordeaux and Madrid worsen, with France deploying an A400M to drop flame retardants and cutting the Tour de France’s final stage to free security resources; officials warn conditions could stay “difficult” as heat and drought fuel the fires. Italian Politics & Security: In Piedmont’s Susa Valley, clashes during a protest against the Turin–Lyon high-speed rail left at least 60 police officers injured, with protesters accused of attacking officers and setting vehicles on fire. Italy–Defense Diplomacy: Kuwait’s top military chief met Italian defense leaders in Rome to expand bilateral cooperation and deepen the strategic defense partnership. Football Governance: Italy’s sports minister criticized the handling of negotiations with Pep Guardiola for the national team job, warning that public talks without certainty create unnecessary risk. EU Rights Debate: A Cypriot MEP was the only one to vote against reinstating EU “chat control” rules, a move privacy advocates say expands surveillance of private messages. International Watch: Germany faced a new vehicle-ramming incident near Berlin Pride, adding to a broader pattern of security alerts around public events.

Wildfire Emergency in Southern Europe: France and Spain are evacuating hundreds of thousands as wildfires rage toward Bordeaux and near Madrid, with Spain declaring a national emergency and France deploying an adapted A400M cargo plane to drop flame retardants, alongside soldiers, trenches, and millions of face masks. Italian Defense Diplomacy: Italy’s defense minister Guido Crosetto offered Mykhailo Fedorov an advisory role in Rome after his Ukraine dismissal, praising him for battlefield innovation and linking the move to broader Red Sea security concerns. Italy’s Football Shake-Up: With Pep Guardiola turning down the Italy job, reports say Andrea Pirlo is set to take over as national team coach on a four-year deal, aiming to rebuild after recent qualification failures. Religious Rights Pressure in Italy: A new report highlights growing obstacles for Italy’s 1.7 million Muslims, citing mosque and cemetery limits and increased monitoring tied to security-focused policies. EU-Linked Crisis Response: Reuters notes Italy is sending firefighting Canadair planes to help Spain as the wildfire crisis worsens across the region.

Wildfire Crisis in Southern Europe: France and Spain are scrambling as record heat and wind drive massive forest fires near Madrid and Bordeaux, forcing evacuations of roughly 166,000 people, with Spain declaring a national emergency and France invoking the EU civil protection mechanism; Italy is among the countries sending aerial help, including Canadair planes, as blazes merge and officials warn some fires are beyond firefighters’ capacity. Italy’s Role in EU Emergency Response: Spain’s request has triggered EU deployments, with Italy and Greece already accepted and additional aircraft and firefighting resources mobilized to reinforce containment efforts. Italy Football Politics: With Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti both turning down the Italy job, Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate after the FIGC approached him with a four-year offer, as Italy prepares for Euro 2028 qualifying. Diplomacy Watch: Azerbaijan has recalled its ambassador to Italy, signaling fresh diplomatic churn as tensions and realignments continue across Europe.

Italy–Africa Finance: SACE and Bank of Africa signed a deal to back Italian firms with financing and insurance for strategic projects across Africa under the Mattei Plan, with Morocco highlighted as a key partner. EU Sanctions Politics: The EU approved its 21st Russia sanctions package after months of veto threats and carve-outs, including changes tied to religious and entry rules. Bologna Police Accountability: Investigators say a Moroccan man who died during police restraint in Bologna had been in mental-health treatment, as protests demand justice and a thorough probe. AI Governance: UN University rector Tshilidzi Marwala warned lawmakers can’t regulate AI without basic understanding, as a new AI institute opens in Bologna. Security & NATO Air Patrol: Romania reported its first drone shoot-down after an airspace breach, with Italian Eurofighters scrambled alongside Romanian F-16s. Wildfires Across Southern Europe: Spain declared a national wildfire emergency near Madrid as evacuations surged, with France and Italy also affected and EU aircraft deployed. Football Coaching Shake-up: Italy’s federation reportedly explored Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti before Guardiola declined; Gianluigi Buffon also rejected a return role.

Italy Football Politics: The FIGC’s coaching hunt is getting more specific: officials say Carlo Ancelotti was Italy’s first choice before talks with Pep Guardiola, with Maldini confirming the federation “started with the best” and then moved to Guardiola as the search drags on after Italy’s World Cup disappointment. Public Order & Accountability: Protests in Italy are reigniting after Abderrahim Fakir’s death in Bologna following violent police restraint, with demonstrators demanding justice and officials facing pressure over whether investigations are being delayed. Climate & Emergency Response: Wildfires across southern Europe are forcing mass evacuations, with Italy among the hardest hit as extreme heat and fast-moving blazes kill firefighters and stretch emergency services. EU Sanctions & Diplomacy: The EU agreed a new Russia sanctions package after Greece dropped a veto, including a one-year freeze on the Russian oil price cap and exemptions tied to LNG shipments. Security & Sports Governance: World Athletics is again in the spotlight as Russia challenges bans at CAS, arguing the rules are being applied in a politically inconsistent way.

FIGC Coach Search: Italy’s football federation is in talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti as it tries to fix a national team crisis after a third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini says Guardiola is “one of the targets” and confirms Ancelotti contact, with an aim to name a new coach within the week. Sports Politics: IOC president Luciano Buonfiglio argues the national team should be led by Italian coaches, pushing back on the idea of a foreign appointment even as FIGC weighs “financial sacrifice” for Guardiola. Public Safety & Climate: Southern Europe’s heatwave continues to drive wildfires, with reports of thousands evacuated across France, Spain and Italy and three firefighters killed. Justice & Rights: Italy faces renewed scrutiny after protests over the death of a Moroccan man during police restraint, with calls for accountability and a full probe. Culture Clash: Venice Biennale chief Pietrangelo Buttafuoco blasts the EU for withdrawing €2m over Russia’s participation, saying it undermines arts autonomy.

Police Accountability: In Bologna, the death of Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir in police custody has reignited Italy’s debate over restraint practices and accountability, with a Senate-hosted hearing featuring his family’s lawyer arguing officers failed to act after he lost consciousness. Immigration & Public Order: Protests over Fakir’s death have turned violent, with Meloni condemning clashes and ordering a full probe. Wildfires & Climate Pressure: Fires across Sicily and beyond have forced thousands to evacuate; Italy deployed about 6,000 responders, while officials cite extreme heat, dry conditions, and alleged arson. EU Foreign Policy: Brussels continues to delay decisions on Israel-related trade measures, as member states argue over who should act. Football Politics: Italy’s FIGC confirms talks with Pep Guardiola for the national team job, with “salary exceptions” reportedly on the table. International Diplomacy: Trump is reported to want FIFA boss Gianni Infantino as UN secretary-general, adding fresh political friction to global institutions.

Football & Politics: FIGC president Giovanni Malagò says Pep Guardiola is in the running to replace Gennaro Gattuso, hinting the federation could make “financial exceptions” despite tight budgets, while stressing talks with other candidates continue. Public Order & Migration: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned clashes with police in Bologna after the death of Moroccan detainee Abderrahim Fakir, calling for a “thorough” investigation while rejecting violence against law enforcement. Diplomacy: Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said Israel and Lebanon will hold another US-mediated talks in Italy on August 4, after a Rome round last week. EU Culture & Russia: The Venice Biennale plans to challenge the EU’s €2m funding withdrawal tied to Russia’s return, arguing the money should protect democratic values. Security & Industry: Italy and Leonardo detailed early experience with the M-345 trainer, while Italy-based Baykar-Leonardo’s LBA Systems says its Astore Levante drone production is now operational.