Why Faouzi Ghoulam joined Italy’s training camp at Coverciano

Faouzi Ghoulam’s appearance at Italy’s training camp in Coverciano was linked to his plans for life after playing, rather than a surprise switch of international allegiance to the Squadra Azzurra.

The former Algeria left-back, who has been without a club since leaving Hatayspor in 2024, appears to have moved on from his playing career. Now 35, Ghoulam is preparing for a future in football and is currently working towards earning his UEFA A licence.

As part of that course, he visited Italy’s technical centre at Coverciano to observe the national team and its coaching staff at work.

Ghoulam was among a group of former professional players enrolled on the programme who attended a training session led by Roberto Mancini and the Squadra Azzurra staff. Former players Riccardo Saponara and Stefano Sturaro, who also spent the final years of their playing careers in Turkey, were present alongside him.

The visit gave Ghoulam the opportunity to see at close quarters how an international side operates, from the organisation of training sessions to the methods used at the highest level.

His time in Italy also carries particular significance because of his close connection with the country’s football. Born in Saint-Priest, France, Ghoulam spent eight years at Napoli after joining from Saint-Etienne in January 2014.

He established himself as one of Serie A’s most highly regarded left-backs during his best years at the club. However, his career changed considerably in November 2017 when he suffered a rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right knee.

A succession of fitness problems followed, and Ghoulam was unable to consistently return to the level he had shown before that serious injury.

The same year marked his final appearances for Algeria. He made his international debut in 2013, but gradually fell out of the plans of the Fennecs as injuries continued to disrupt his club career.

After leaving Napoli in 2022, Ghoulam attempted to revive his career with Angers and later in Turkey at Hatayspor. Since becoming a free agent in 2024, his focus has increasingly shifted towards a coaching career.

His visit to Coverciano represents a practical step in that transition. Alongside completing his coaching qualifications, observing an international staff on a daily basis will give him valuable early experience before he potentially takes a place in a technical area himself.

After Saint-Etienne, Napoli and the Fennecs, Ghoulam is now preparing for a second career in football.