Italy Next CT: Conte, Allegri & Mancini – Who Will Replace Gattuso?

Italy is searching for a new national team manager after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a result that has prompted the resignation of both the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to depart his role as head coach, opening the door for several potential replacements.

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia and other outlets, Massimiliano Allegri is considered the “dream” option for many supporters. Currently managing AC Milan under a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, Allegri has never coached the national team but boasts a Serie A record of six Scudetti, making him the second-most successful coach in the league’s history.

However, Allegri is not the only contender. Roberto Mancini, currently under contract with Al-Sadd until 2027, has also been mentioned as a possible return to the role. Other names in the mix include Conte and Inzaghi, as reported by multiple sources including Adnkronos and La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The situation marks a low point for Italian football, as the Azzurri have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cup tournaments. This failure led to Gravina’s resignation, a decision announced after the penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final on March 31, 2026, in Zenica.

The defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Italy lost on penalties despite being a man down, has triggered a major overhaul within Italian football. In addition to Gattuso’s expected departure and Gravina’s resignation, Buffon is also set to leave his position as delegation chief.

Contenders for the Italy Job

The search for a new manager is underway, with several prominent figures being considered. Here’s a look at the leading candidates:

• Massimiliano Allegri: Currently at AC Milan, he is seen as the ideal choice by many fans due to his Serie A success.
• Roberto Mancini: Previously managed the Italian national team and is currently with Al-Sadd, offering a potential return to a familiar role.
• Antonio Conte: A proven winner with experience managing top clubs, Conte is another strong contender.
• Simone Inzaghi: Another manager with a strong track record, Inzaghi is also being considered for the position.

Sisal, a betting company, currently lists Mancini as the favorite at 3.00, followed by Conte at 5.00, indicating the market’s expectation of one of these two taking the helm.

Gattuso took over from Luciano Spalletti in June, inheriting a team already in crisis following a defeat at Norway in its opening qualifier. However, he was unable to turn the situation around, ultimately leading to the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The crisis within Italian football extends beyond the on-field performance, with the resignation of the FIGC president adding to the turmoil. The coming weeks will be crucial as the federation seeks to appoint a new manager and begin the process of rebuilding the national team.

The appointment of the new coach will be pivotal in determining the future direction of Italian football. With the team missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, the pressure is on to find a manager who can restore the nation’s pride and lead them back to the top of the international game.