Simone Inzaghi has played down any move to the vacant Italy job, stressing a wish to continue at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The former Inter coach has emerged as an option for the national team role, which became open after Italy’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup.
The Azzurri’s play-off defeat against Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties last month ended hopes of returning to FIFA’s flagship tournament. That setback prompted questions around the new coaching direction, with names such as Napoli’s Antonio Conte and AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri linked alongside Inzaghi.
Despite those reports, Inzaghi has repeatedly underlined contentment in Saudi Arabia and has not pushed for the Italy role. I am staying at Al-Hilal because I am doing my
job to the best of myabilities, and I am giving everything of myself,he said, with quotesvia FCInter1908. That statement highlighted a focus on club duties rather than the Azzurri post.
During four seasons with Inter, Inzaghi built a strong coaching record that explains why the Italian federation sees value in the 50-year-old. Inzaghi won six major trophies, including the 2023-24 Serie A title, and reached two Champions League finals, losing to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
| Team | Period | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter | 4 seasons | 152 | 101 | 28 | 23 | 2.18 |
Italy’s wider situation adds pressure to any appointment. The national team became the first former world champions to miss three World Cup editions after falling short for 2018, 2022 and now 2026. This sequence means the gap between appearances will extend to at least 16 years, up to the 2030 tournament.
The fall-out from missing 2026 has already brought change. Gennaro Gattuso, who succeeded Luciano Spalletti in June, stepped down following the failed play-off campaign. The Italian Football Federation must now consider whether to pursue club coaches like Conte, Allegri or Inzaghi, or shift towards an alternative profile.
An honour to coach the National team Official statement https://t.co/dT9S6k8RGt Italy (@Azzurri_En) April 3, 2026
While interest surrounds the Italy bench, Inzaghi’s current work comes in a league followed closely across the Middle East. Al-Hilal sit second in the Saudi Pro League table, five points adrift of leaders Al-Nassr with six matches left, keeping the title race open as the season heads towards its final weeks.
Any future move by Inzaghi towards the Azzurri would follow a club spell defined by steady trophy collection and consistent results. For now, the coach remains committed to Al-Hilal’s campaign, while the Italian federation weighs options after another missed World Cup, and leading domestic managers continue to be linked with the role.
