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The situation of Gennaro Gattuso at the helm of Italy has reached a critical point from which it seems difficult to escape. Failure to qualify for the next World Cup has been a devastating blow, not only on a sporting level, but also institutionally and emotionally for a country accustomed to competing among the elite.
In a context of maximum demands and with growing media pressure, the Italian coach's continuity is practically ruled out, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Mancini, Conte, Allegri and Guardiola, the four names
In this scenario, the Italian media are considering several names, but Roberto Mancini is the one that emerges strongly. His recent past at the helm of the national team, where he won Euro 2020, supports him as a coach capable of rebuilding a group and restoring its identity. Mancini represents continuity in certain respects, it would be a gamble on the familiar, but ensuring leadership beyond doubt at a time of turmoil like this. His departure in 2023 ended badly, with threats of legal action even, but the more than likely departure of Gravina (president of the Federation) means that his return, combining work at Al-Sadd, is one of the most viable options.
Another of the main candidates is Antonio Conte, also a familiar face. He coached the national team between 2014 and 2016, but his arrival now seems somewhat more complicated than that of Mancini. "The biggest problem is obviously De Laurentiis," explains La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Napoli supremo is a tough nut to crack and would have to agree for Conte to start working for the national team now and probably reach an agreement for his departure in the summer. "Italy cannot afford to have an interim coach until September when the Nations League starts," insists the newspaper.
Also on the shortlist is Massimiliano Allegri, an experienced profile - and one from 'the house' - who is now in his second spell at Milan. He is out of contract in 2027 and, as with Conte, a formula would have to be found for him to combine or leave the Milan club to make his debut as a national team coach.
However, above all of them hovers a name that excites all sectors: Pep Guardiola. La Gazzetta dello Sport names the current Manchester City coach and describes him as the great dream of the Italian federation. Guardiola would be a radical change and would also be the first non-Italian coach in history to lead the four-time world champions.
However, the arrival of the Spaniard seems extremely complex, although he has always left the door open to international football. However, first his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season would have to be confirmed, so if he were to arrive in Italy it would almost certainly be after the 2025-26 season, where the English side will be fighting for a Premier League title that is currently led by Arsenal. Therefore, Pep's name is seen more as an ambitious aspiration than as a real alternative in the short term.
Italy is therefore facing a key decision for its immediate future. After the World Cup failure, the next coach will not only have to rebuild a competitive team, but also restore confidence to an entire nation that has suffered three consecutive blows. Between the experience of Mancini, the character of Conte, the pragmatism of Allegri and the almost utopian dream of Guardiola, the federation has a range of options that will set the course for the Azzurri in the coming years