Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long career, a great mission!

2026-05-19 21:50:00, Sport CNA

Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long

When Armand Duka appeared in front of the cameras this Tuesday to introduce the new coach of the red and black national team, the name Rolando Maran probably didn't flash like a firework in the minds of Albanian fans. But behind this name lies one of the most experienced and pragmatic technicians in Italian football, a man who knows the pitch, knows the Albanian players, and has come with a clear mission: the 2030 World Cup.

Who is Rolando Maran?

Born on July 14, 1963 in Trento, Italy, Maran is a pure product of the Italian football school. As a player he spent nine years with Chievo Verona, a modest Veronese club that he deeply loves. As a coach, he returned to this very club and made history.

But not with his debut, his career as a technician began with patience, with work from the ground up, going through academies and Serie B teams, before earning his place in the elite.

Career as a coach facts and figures

Over 20 years as a professional coach. This is Maran's first and strongest argument. Few people have taken charge of so many teams and survived in Italian football, which is among the most brutal in the world.

Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long

Catania (2012–2013) The golden moment

In his first season in Serie A, Maran achieved something historic, with Catania, a small Sicilian team.

?Collected 56 points in Serie A from 38 matches, an absolute record for the club

?He led Catania to 8th place, the best result ever in history

Set records in victories on and off the field

He showed Italy an organized, aggressive and courageous football.

Chievo Verona (2014–2018) Four years of stability

He managed Chievo for 146 matches, keeping the team in the Italian top flight for four consecutive seasons. Survival, stability and player development were the hallmarks of his work.

Cagliari (2018–2020) Spectacular start

When he took charge of Cagliari in the summer of 2018, Maran started with a drive that surprised all of Italy:

7 wins from the first 12 games, Cagliari's best start since 1969–70, when the Sardinians won their only championship in history.

The team was on course for the Champions League spot at the end of November 2018.

Maran left a clear mark as a coach capable of unlocking the potential of players.

Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long

Why is it the right choice for Albania?

1. Know our players like no one else

Maran has been managing clubs in Serie A and Serie B for years, the leagues where most of the red and black players play. Bajrami, Asllani, Gjinshiti, Ramadani, Gjasula, he has seen them with his own eyes. "I know Albania well, I have seen many matches and I have reviewed some of them," the coach himself declared.

2. He has learned from the best, and knows our history.

Conversations with Gianni De Biasi, an architect of the Albanian generation. "He is my friend, I appreciate him a lot for what he has given to Albania", said Maran. This continuity of the Italian experience with the National Team is a precious asset.

3. His philosophy, aggression and dominance

"My DNA is an aggressive, strong team that wants to dominate the game. This is not just about defense." This philosophy matches the character of Albanian players.

4. Coach of formation, not just results

Maran started from the academies. This deep training makes him capable of identifying and integrating new talents, opening the doors to the Albanian U-21 National Team.

Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long

5. Stability and character

His career proves a man who doesn't give up. He has fallen, he has risen, and he has continued. In such a dynamic environment as the national teams, this professional consistency is very valuable.

His words, which leave no doubt

"I thank President Duka for giving me the opportunity to lead a national team that represents a people with great pride. Your dream and mine is to go to the World Cup. My promise is to transfer all your love for the jersey to the field. It's not the same as coaching a club, the sense of belonging is very strong."

Rolando Maran, the coach that Albania deserved! From Trento to Tirana, a long

Contract and mission

Maran has signed a contract until June 2028 and will lead the Rossoneri in the Nations League and the Euro 2028 qualifiers. He becomes the fifth Italian coach to take charge of the Albanian National Team, continuing a tradition that has given Albania some of its greatest historical moments, such as Euro 2024.

Rolando Maran is not the name that falls like a good star in the sky of world football. But Albanian football does not need a star, it needs a "builder". For someone who knows the team, respects the players, and listens to the heart of this jersey with seriousness.

With over two decades as a coach, with a history written in Catania, Chievo and Cagliari, with deep knowledge of Italian football where our stars play, Rolando Maran did not come by chance. He came with a plan.