Italy's Next Manager: Who Will Lead the Azzurri After Gattuso's Exit?

The search is on for a new coach to guide the Italian national team into the future.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Italian national team's search for a new manager, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the various candidates and challenges involved in the decision.The complex search for Italy's next national team manager is a puzzle of competing narratives and high-stakes decisions.San Luis Obispo Today

The Italian national team is once again searching for a new manager after Gennaro Gattuso's departure. Several high-profile names like Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, and Massimiliano Allegri are being considered, each bringing their own unique strengths and challenges. The decision will be a crucial one as Italy looks to recapture its past glory on the global stage.

Why it matters

The Italian national team holds a storied history, and the choice of their next manager will have a significant impact on the team's future direction and performance. The constant managerial turnover suggests deeper issues that the new coach must address to restore national pride and stability.

The details

Several candidates have emerged as potential replacements for Gattuso, each with their own pros and cons. Roberto Mancini, the architect of Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, is a leading contender, but his recent stumbles have raised questions about his suitability. Antonio Conte, known for his intense, disciplined approach, is another option, though his preference for club management may be a concern. Massimiliano Allegri's considerable success in Serie A makes him an attractive choice, but luring him away from his current club commitments could be difficult. The romantic notion of bringing back a legend like Fabio Cannavaro also exists, though his managerial experience is limited.

  • Gennaro Gattuso departed as Italy's national team manager in April 2026.

The players

Roberto Mancini

Former Italy national team manager who led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory, but has since had a brief stint in Saudi Arabia and failed to secure a World Cup berth.

Antonio Conte

Experienced manager with a successful track record at Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and now Napoli, but has a history of departing the Italian national team for club jobs.

Massimiliano Allegri

Highly successful Serie A manager, having won multiple titles with Juventus and AC Milan, but is currently in the midst of a second spell at AC Milan, making a move to the national team difficult.

Fabio Cannavaro

Legendary former Italy captain and 2006 World Cup winner, who is currently managing the Uzbekistan national team, representing a potential nostalgic choice.

Stefano Pioli

Experienced Italian manager who is currently out of work, having previously led AC Milan to a Serie A title, representing a more pragmatic choice.

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What they’re saying

“The constant managerial merry-go-round is a symptom of a deeper unease, a persistent quest for that elusive spark that can reignite national pride on the global stage.”

— Author

“While his leadership on the field was legendary, the transition to management is a different beast entirely. It's a gamble, certainly, but one that could pay off handsomely if he can translate that winning mentality off the pitch.”

— Author

What’s next

The Italian Football Federation will make a decision on the next national team manager in the coming weeks, with the successful candidate tasked with leading the Azzurri into their next major tournament.

The takeaway

The choice of Italy's next national team manager will be a crucial one, as the team looks to recapture its past glory and reignite national pride. The decision will be a delicate balance between selecting a proven tactician, a charismatic leader, and someone who can navigate the unique challenges of international football management.