World Cup
Mancini or Conte: Italy’s next Azzurri coach choice
Italy’s next head coach will be chosen from two heavyweight candidates after the Azzurri’s third straight World Cup miss. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are the frontrunners to replace outgoing coach Gennaro Gattuso, with qualification for the 2030 tournament the top priority.
The Azzurri finished second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group behind Norway, forcing them into a play-off path. They were favourites to qualify but lost to Northern Ireland in the semi-finals, then to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.
Gattuso resigned immediately after the elimination, followed by FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Giovanni Malagò replaced Gravina on June 22, 2026, securing nearly 69% of the vote in an election across Italian football’s stakeholders.
Malagò’s first major task is appointing the new coach. Mancini and Conte—both former Italy bosses—lead the shortlist. Mancini guided Italy to Euro 2021 glory but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, while Conte reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
Paolo Maldini has been identified as the preferred technical director, with an offer already sent. Malagò confirmed this alongside his coach appointment plans in his first press conference after taking office.
“If it weren’t for a penalty, I wouldn’t be here now,” Malagò said. “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. 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.”
Malagò also outlined plans to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey, naming Michele Uva as the organisational lead. “EURO 2032 is a challenge within a challenge,” he said, noting recent talks with UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.