UAF president Andriy Shevchenko has outlined the main objective for newly appointed Ukraine national team head coach Andrea Maldera — securing qualification for UEFA Euro 2028.

The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker spoke after the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football officially confirmed the Italian coach as the successor to Serhiy Rebrov.

“The UAF Executive Committee has appointed a new head coach for the Ukraine national team. For the first time in our history, the team will be led by a foreign specialist — Andrea Maldera. I would like to congratulate him on this appointment,” said Shevchenko.

The UAF president also highlighted the deep connection the Italian coach has already built with Ukrainian football during his previous spell with the national side.

“Maldera is an Italian with a Ukrainian soul. He spent five years working within the coaching staff of the Ukraine national team. Since then, he has continued to develop professionally and also worked as assistant to Roberto De Zerbi,” Shevchenko added.

According to the former Ballon d’Or winner, the federation believes Andrea Maldera possesses both the ambition and elite-level experience needed to lead the country into a new era.

“Andrea is ambitious. He knows how to work alongside top coaches and major clubs, and he has experience delivering results. Most importantly, he understands the demands of international football and how to manage a national team environment.”

Shevchenko confirmed that the key mission for the new coaching staff is qualification for UEFA Euro 2028, with the team aiming to secure its place through the UEFA Nations League pathway.

“Our objective is clear — we want Ukraine to qualify for the European Championship. The goal is to reach Euro 2028 through the Nations League,” he stated.

Andrea Maldera has signed a two-year contract with an option for an extension. Meanwhile, his first training camp in charge of the Ukraine national team is expected to take place on home soil.

“Maldera’s first camp will be held in Ukraine. We want to organize more gatherings like this in the future because our aim is to bring the national team closer to the fans,” Shevchenko concluded.