Italy’s football landscape has entered a period of significant transition following yet another major disappointment on the international stage. The four-time world champions have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, triggering a wave of high-level departures across both the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the national team setup.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has stepped down, while legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has also relinquished his role as head of the national delegation. Shortly afterwards, head coach Gennaro Gattuso left his position by mutual consent, a development widely anticipated across European media. With the managerial seat now vacant, speculation has intensified over who will next lead the Azzurri.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport initially highlighted four leading candidates: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Pep Guardiola. However, the BBC excluded Manchester City manager Guardiola from its shortlist, instead adding Fabio Cannavaro and Stefano Pioli alongside Mancini, Conte, and Allegri.
Table of Contents
Leading contenders for the Italy job
| Coach | Current Situation | Key Achievements | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massimiliano Allegri | AC Milan manager | 5 Serie A titles with Juventus | High |
| Roberto Mancini | Al-Sadd manager | Euro 2020 winner, 37-match unbeaten run | High |
| Antonio Conte | Contracted to Napoli | Premier League, Serie A titles | Medium–High |
| Fabio Cannavaro | Uzbekistan national coach | 2006 World Cup-winning captain | Medium |
| Stefano Pioli | Unattached | 2022 Serie A title with AC Milan | Medium |
Massimiliano Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri is regarded as one of the most tactically astute coaches in Italian football. Currently in his second spell at AC Milan, he returned to the club in 2025 after previously enjoying immense success with Juventus, where he secured five Serie A titles and multiple domestic cups. Allegri’s experience and strong rapport with Italian football make him a popular choice among supporters. However, persuading him to leave club football for the national team could prove challenging, particularly given his current commitment to Milan.
Roberto Mancini
Roberto Mancini remains a strong candidate given his recent history with the national side. Under his leadership, Italy lifted the Euro 2020 trophy, defeating England in the final at Wembley, and went on to set a remarkable 37-match unbeaten record. His tenure ended in 2023 after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Since then, he has managed briefly in Saudi Arabia before taking charge of Qatari club Al-Sadd. His familiarity with the squad and proven international success strengthen his case for a return.
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is currently under contract with Napoli until 2027, which complicates any potential move. Nevertheless, he remains a highly respected figure in Italian coaching circles. Conte previously guided Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 and has enjoyed major success at club level, winning three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and securing both the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea. His tactical discipline and intensity are seen as key assets for rebuilding the national side.
Fabio Cannavaro
World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro represents a symbolic option. Currently managing Uzbekistan’s national team, which is preparing for its first-ever World Cup appearance, Cannavaro is still developing his coaching career. While his leadership credentials as a player are unquestioned, his managerial record remains relatively modest.
Stefano Pioli
Stefano Pioli, formerly of AC Milan, Fiorentina, Inter and Lazio, is another contender currently available. His most notable achievement remains guiding AC Milan to the 2022 Serie A title. While respected for his man-management skills, he lacks extensive international experience, though his availability could make him an appealing short-term solution.
As Italy searches for stability after a turbulent period, the decision over the next head coach is expected to define the direction of the national team for years to come.