Next Italy manager contenders

Failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was deemed an aberration. Missing out on Qatar 2022 was a humilation. An inability to reach the 2026 World Cup is the sad story of Italy's startling decline.

The Azzurri missed out on a third successive World Cup after suffering a devastating penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off tie.

The fallout of such a seismic failure resulted in manager Gennaro Gattuso leaving his position as manager and the Italian Football Federation must carefully consider their next steps as they look to halt an alarming rot.

We take a look at the contenders to become the next manager of Italy.

Why are Italy currently unable to appoint a new manager?

Following Gabriele Gravina's resignation after another failed World Cup qualification campaign, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) are unable to appoint a permanent manager until 22nd June when a new president will be elected.

Under-21 head coach Silvio Baldini will remain in charge on an interim basis until the FIGC administration decides on Gravina's successor.

There are currently two candidates in the running to become FIGC president: Giovanni Malago and Giancarlo Abete.

For either to win, they must secure an absolute majority of the total voting, which is distributed among Serie A (18%), Serie B (6%), Lega Pro (12%), the Amateur League (34%), the Players' Association (20%), and the Coaches' Association (10%).

Next Italy manager contenders

Roberto Mancini

The leader in the Azzurri's most recent tournament success at Euro 2020, Roberto Mancini is one of the lead candidates to make a return to the national team, according to reports in Italy.

The former Manchester City and Inter boss is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Sadd, but Mancini may feel he has unfinished business after resigning from the Italy job in August 2023.

His first tenure was a massive success, having embarked on a world-record unbeaten streak of 37 matches, which included the triumph over England on penalties to win Italy's second European Championship in July 2021.

If anyone is capable of reviving the Azzurri's fortunes, it's Mancini.

Pep Guardiola

High-ranking officials at the Italian Football Federation are reportedly eager to try and lure Pep Guardiola into the job following his exit from Manchester City.

The FIGC have a strong tradition of only hiring Italian coaches and rarely consider foreign alternatives, but the start of a new presidential era may prompt a revision of this strategy as they look to rebuild the national team.

Guardiola's flirted with the idea of international management in the past, but whether he'll be enticed by the arduous challenge of restoring Italy amongst the world's elite remains to be seen.

Additionally, Guardiola's salary expectations are likely to be unaffordable.

Antonio Conte

Another experienced tactician who has held the national team job before, Antonio Conte is believed to be in the running following his departure from Napoli.

Conte succeeded Cesare Prandelli following a humiliating group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, but after reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, he revealed his desire to return to club management and subsequently joined Chelsea.

The 56-year-old has basked in silverware in the decade since, winning league titles with the Blues, Inter and Napoli. Is the time right for him to make a return to international football?

Thiago Motta

Once regarded as the brightest young coach in Italy following an extremely fruitful spell with Bologna, Thiago Motta's managerial reputation has been dented after an unfulfilling stint in charge of Juventus where he lasted just nine months before being sacked.

Linked with a multitude of vacancies since his dismissal by the Turin giants, Motta has remained out of work and there is growing intrigue concerning his next step in management.

Motta's appointment would be a bold move by the FIGC in light of how his Juventus tenure ended, but the 43-year-old will have the energy and enthusiasm to help make the fundamental changes to lead Italy in a healthier direction.