Italy’s Coaching Conundrum: Mancini and Conte Emerge as Frontrunners

The Italian national football team is facing a significant crossroads after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. This prolonged absence from the global stage has triggered a search for a new coach, with Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte reportedly emerging as the leading candidates for the prestigious role.

The primary objective for the next Azzurri manager will be to secure qualification for the 2030 World Cup, a daunting task given the team’s recent struggles. Italy’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers saw them finish second in their group behind Norway, forcing them into a play-off scenario against Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite being considered favorites, they were unable to overcome the playoff hurdles.

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Key facts

In the wake of this latest World Cup disappointment, coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned from his post. This managerial change was preceded by a significant shift at the helm of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Former President Gabriele Gravina stepped down and was succeeded by Giovanni Malagò, who secured nearly 69% of the vote in the election held on June 22, 2026.

Malagò’s immediate priority is to appoint the new national team coach. While other names like Pep Guardiola have been mentioned in the Italian media, the consensus points towards a two-horse race between Mancini and Conte. Both coaches have prior experience managing the Italian national team. Mancini led Italy to victory in Euro 2021 but failed to qualify for the subsequent World Cup. Conte, on the other hand, guided the Azzurri to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

Contexto

The selection of the new coach is one of the first major decisions Malagò faces, alongside the appointment of a technical director, for which Paolo Maldini is reportedly being considered, with an offer already extended.

Malagò has been vocal about the state of Italian football, expressing his disappointment with the lack of reform under the previous FIGC leadership. He stated, “If it weren’t for a penalty, I wouldn’t be here now. It is incredible that Gravina was re-elected a year ago, practically by unanimous consent, and yet he was unable to push through any of the proposed reforms. Objectively, the situation is completely fossilised.” He emphasized the need for change, adding, “I will continue to defend the autonomy of sport, but if we don’t manage to change our ways, then someone will have to put us into a position to change. It is very simple.”

Beyond the immediate coaching vacancy, Malagò also has the significant task of identifying the venues for Euro 2032, a tournament Italy will co-host with Turkey. He has already engaged in discussions with UEFA President Aleksandar Čeferin and received messages from FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding this endeavor. Michele Uva has been designated as the organizational figure liaising with UEFA for this project, with the identification of five key stadiums being a priority.

The appointment of a new coach and the subsequent qualification campaign will be crucial for Italian football’s resurgence on the international stage. The pressure is on for the new leadership to instill discipline, tactical acumen, and a winning mentality to restore the Azzurri’s pride and presence at the World Cup.

Source: Football Italia – Who will be Italy’s next coach? https://football-italia.net/who-will-be-italys-next-coach/