TIRANA, May 19 – Rolando Maran is the new head coach of the Albania national football team. The Albanian Football Federation (AFF) President Armando Duka presented him at a press conference on Tuesday.

Maran said he had closely followed the Albanian national team and expressed admiration for its progress. He said it was a great honour to coach a national team that represents a nation with strong pride. He added that he aims to transfer that passion onto the pitch together with his staff.

Meanwhile, Maran has previously coached several Italian clubs, including Pisa, Genoa, Cagliari, Chievo, Catania, Bari and Varese. This marks his first appointment as a national team coach.

His appointment follows the decision not to renew the contract of former coach Sylvinho. The Albanian Football Federation ended cooperation with the Brazilian coach after a successful spell that included qualification for the European Championship in Germany.

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