Italy’s Coaching Conundrum
Italy’s search for a new national team coach has taken an unexpected turn. With Andrea Pirlo increasingly unlikely to be offered the job due to his association with a Russian betting company, the Azzurri’s technical director, Paolo Maldini, and special advisor, Leonardo, are now looking at alternative candidates.
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The search for a new coach began when Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the proposal. Maldini and Leonardo then turned to Pirlo, but his global brand ambassador role for a Russian betting company has sparked a major outcry in Italy, with the threat of legal action hanging over his potential appointment.
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The FIGC President, Giovanni Malago, and the Italian football federation are now forced to look further down the list of candidates, which might mean the return of either Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini to the bench.
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Of the two, Mancini would be more eager to take on the role and would likely be cheaper than Conte, but as former Azzurri bosses, they won’t be too pleased to be considered behind Pirlo in the pecking order.
Other Candidates in the Frame
La Gazzetta dello Sport has looked at some of the other candidates, especially those who are currently free agents. Stefano Pioli, who worked closely with Maldini at AC Milan, where they won the Scudetto, is another contender. However, he was fired by Fiorentina just a few weeks into last season.
Raffaele Palladino, the 42-year-old coach, is more in the Pirlo mould, a young coach focused on possession football, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Gian Piero Gasperini. Palladino had some impressive campaigns with Monza, Fiorentina, and Atalanta, who he dragged out of danger into a sixth-place finish in Serie A when taking over in November 2025.
Despite his impressive record, Palladino was unable to agree on a strategy going forward, so he left Atalanta by mutual consent this summer.
Key Contenders
- Antonio Conte: A former Azzurri boss, Conte would be a strong contender for the job, but his eagerness to take on the role might be matched by his price tag.
- Roberto Mancini: Another former Azzurri boss, Mancini would be a cheaper option, but his pride might be wounded by being considered behind Pirlo in the pecking order.
- Stefano Pioli: Pioli worked closely with Maldini at AC Milan, where they won the Scudetto, but his recent sacking by Fiorentina might count against him.
- Raffaele Palladino: A young coach focused on possession football, Palladino has an impressive record, but his inability to agree on a strategy with Atalanta might raise concerns.
