From the 2006 World Cup triumph to the upcoming 2026 tournament, the Italian national football team finds itself in a challenging period and is reportedly turning to the heroes who secured the nation`s fourth world title two decades ago. Following Luciano Spalletti`s departure and Claudio Ranieri`s decision to commit to Roma instead of taking the national job, the search for the new Azzurri head coach appears focused on members of that victorious 2006 squad.
According to experts at Sisal, Gennaro Gattuso, recently managing Hajduk Split, is considered the leading candidate with odds of 2.00. Known as “Ringhio,” Gattuso has gained coaching experience across Europe with clubs like Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille. He is seen as someone who could inject the necessary passion and sense of belonging that the team currently seems to be missing.
Another prominent figure known for his intensity and dedication to the national team is Daniele De Rossi, who previously served on Roberto Mancini`s staff during the successful Euro 2020 campaign. The former Roma captain is listed with odds of 3.00. De Rossi is reportedly not only focused on instilling intensity but also on achieving qualification for the North American World Cup by developing effective gameplay.
Rounding out the main contenders are the “World Cup captain” Fabio Cannavaro, the player who lifted the trophy in Berlin, and Stefano Pioli, who is departing Al Nassr and has been linked with a return to Fiorentina. Both Cannavaro and Pioli have odds of 6.00 to take on the national team role. While considered an outside chance, a return for Roberto Mancini is not entirely off the table, particularly after recent comments expressing regret. “Mancio,” with odds of 7.50, could potentially resume the role he left two summers ago.