​Italy is undergoing a major shake-up at the highest levels of its football governance, with fresh leadership and a new technical director signaling that a fresh head coach could be next on the agenda. Giovanni Malagò has taken over as President of the FIGC, and Paolo Maldini has stepped into the role of technical director and President of Club Italia. Leonardo has joined the federation as an adviser, and the organization is now turning its attention to identifying a successor to Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team. On the back of these changes, Monday reports suggest that Roberto Mancini remains the leading candidate to take charge, supported by two pivotal factors.
The national team is experiencing a comprehensive staff overhaul at the top levels, with Malagò replacing Gabriele Gravina as FIGC President and Maldini having recently replaced him as technical director alongside his new responsibilities with Club Italia. Leonardo’s arrival as an adviser adds another layer to the reform, and the federation’s focus has shifted to recruiting a new head coach to fill the vacancy left by Gattuso. For several weeks, Mancini and Antonio Conte have dominated discussions as the two primary contenders for the role. Both men have previously led the Azzurri, bringing extensive experience at the highest levels, and both are understood to be open to returning to Italy’s national team setup.
Sunday reports also pointed to Pep Guardiola re-emerging as a potential option after Maldini’s appointment as technical director. Other names that have circulated in speculation include Andrea Pirlo and Carlo Ancelotti. Yet, according to Corriere dello Sport, Mancini remains the favorite for the Italy job for two main reasons.
First, Mancini’s long-standing relationship with the Italian football community and the apparent alignment of views with the newly elected FIGC President Malagò suggest a harmonious collaboration that could help the transition be smoother. Second, a notable portion of the Italy squad reportedly desires Mancini’s return. There is evidence that players pushed for Mancini to come back after Luciano Spalletti departed from his role as head coach in 2025, underscoring the players’ appetite for continuity and familiarity.
Mancini’s appeal is enhanced by his prior success with Italy, including a trophy triumph, and his commitment to developing young talent. His familiarity with Coverciano—the national team training center—and the broader national-team structure is seen as a distinct advantage, given the logistical and cultural familiarity required to guide a national side effectively. These factors, coupled with his established rapport with the current players, help explain why Mancini is viewed as the frontrunner in the contemporary coaching candidacy pool.
Nonetheless, nothing has been finalized. Malagò recently cautioned that “there could also be a surprise” in store, indicating that the process remains open and dynamic. As the FIGC continues its strategic restructuring, the potential appointment of a new head coach will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, who are eager to see how the governance changes translate into on-field success for the national team. In this evolving landscape, Mancini’s candidacy represents a blend of proven experience, player backing, and a favorable alignment with the federation’s new leadership, all of which bolster the expectation that he could be the next to steer Italy’s national team.