After a dramatic World Cup qualification playoff exit against Bosnia, which saw Italy miss out on the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, national coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to depart. Among the surprising names being floated as potential successors by Gazzetta dello Sport is Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola, who is under contract with Manchester City until 2027, has recently been the subject of rumors about a premature departure, and the 55-year-old himself has commented on his future.
However, a summer move for Guardiola is considered unlikely. Meanwhile, the search for Gattuso’s replacement in Italy is reportedly in full swing, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Massimiliano Allegri is considered the Italian federation’s top choice. Yet, his appointment also seems improbable as AC Milan, where he is contracted until 2027, is unlikely to release him.
Former Champions and Contenders: Mancini and Conte Emerge
The coaching search is therefore narrowing down to Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Mancini is currently under contract with Al-Sadd in Saudi Arabia until 2028, while Conte is tied to Napoli until 2027.
For both coaches, it would mark a return to the Squadra Azzurra. Conte managed Italy from 2014 to 2016. Mancini, who held the post from 2018 to 2023, boasts the fourth-longest tenure in Azzurri history and led Italy to the Euro 2021 title.
Italy: Recent Match Performance
| Competition | Opponent | Result |
| WC Qualifiers, Playoff Final | Bosnia | 1:1 (1:4 pen.) |
| WC Qualifiers, Playoff Semifinal | Northern Ireland | 2:0 |
| WC Qualifiers, Group Stage | Norway | 1:4 |
| WC Qualifiers, Group Stage | Moldova | 2:0 |
| WC Qualifiers, Group Stage | Israel | 3:0 |