Giovanni Malago is steering a crucial search for Italy's next head coach and technical director. The new Italian Football Federation president says options are prepared. Antonio Conte leads the coaching field after Gennaro Gattuso's exit.
Italy's situation follows a failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign under Gennaro Gattuso. The team have also missed recent World Cup tournaments. At Euro 2024, Italy reached only the last 16. Action resumes on 25 September with a Nations League trip to Belgium.
Conte is viewed as the leading candidate to return as Italy coach. Roberto Mancini has also been mentioned for a comeback after leaving the role in 2023. Mancini left to manage Saudi Arabia after guiding Italy to Euro 2020, defeating England on penalties.
Malago indicated that the FIGC will not restrict itself to one pairing of candidates. "I wouldn't get too focused on certain names, Malago said. "There arent just a couple of candidates. "In life, when time is tight, and there are big problems to deal with, and above all, deadlines looming, you need a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, too. "
Attention is on the technical director, who will shape strategy across Italy teams. Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini is reported as the FIGC's preferred option. Malago suggested other candidates remain under evaluation. Recent tournament results, shown below, explain the urgency.
| Tournament | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup | 2018 | Not qualified |
| World Cup | 2022 | Not qualified |
| World Cup | 2026 | Failed qualifying campaign |
| Euro | 2020 | Winners, beat England on penalties |
| Euro | 2024 | Eliminated in last 16 |
Malago's appointment in June, following Gabriele Gravina's exit, marked a shift at the Italian Football Federation. The president is overseeing structural reform at the top of the Azzurri setup. Changes include technical planning and leadership roles.
Giovanni Malag is the new President of the FIGC 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/JAkBSkfe94Italy (@Azzurri_En) June 22, 2026
Malago aims to finalise the head coach and technical director by the end of next week. With the Nations League match against Belgium on 25 September looming, FIGC leaders face urgency. The appointments will guide preparation for tournaments and Italy's rebuilding.
