Italy’s Next Coach: Roberto Mancini Leads Antonio Conte in the Race

Roberto Mancini is currently the leading candidate to return as head coach of the Italian national team. According to Sky Sport, the former Azzurri manager has moved ahead of Antonio Conte, while Thiago Motta and Andrea Pirlo have officially been ruled out.

The decision has become urgent following the chaos inside the Italian Football Federation and the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, only 16 days after their appointments.

Mancini Is Malagò’s Preferred Choice

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò wants an experienced, high-profile coach who already knows the national-team environment. For this reason, he has placed Roberto Mancini at the center of the new project.

Mancini is reportedly willing to accept a four-year contract worth approximately €2 million per season. His financial demands are considered affordable for the Federation, making him the current favorite.

The experienced coach previously led Italy to European Championship glory. His familiarity with the Azzurri is viewed as a major advantage during this period of crisis.

Antonio Conte Remains in the Race

Antonio Conte is the main alternative and reportedly has strong support from Serie A officials.

However, his high salary demands remain the biggest obstacle. Conte is still considered a serious candidate, but Mancini currently appears closer to securing the position.

Pirlo and Thiago Motta Ruled Out

Andrea Pirlo has officially been excluded for reasons unrelated to football. The controversy concerns his commercial agreement with Russian betting company Fonbet.

Pirlo was the preferred candidate of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, but Malagò blocked his appointment because of the political and media controversy that erupted in Italy.

Thiago Motta’s candidacy has also fallen through. Leonardo proposed him as part of a younger, long-term project, but he failed to receive the decisive approval of the Federation’s leadership.

Maldini and Leonardo Resign

Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte were not among the candidates preferred by Maldini and Leonardo. The two directors wanted a different coaching profile and expected complete freedom in making the appointment.

Following Malagò’s intervention and the decision to block Pirlo, they concluded that they no longer had the authority required to continue their project.

According to Sky Sport, Maldini and Leonardo submitted their resignations, ending their tenure after only 16 days.

Chiellini Favored for Technical Director Role

Giorgio Chiellini is now the leading candidate to replace Maldini as the Federation’s technical director.

The former Italy captain is viewed as the right figure to build a new management structure and work alongside the coach who will be appointed.

The official announcement is expected on Monday evening or Tuesday at the latest. At this stage, all indications suggest that Roberto Mancini is very close to making a sensational return to the Italy dugout.