Who will replace Mancini as Italy coach?

The FIGC now have the task of finding a new head coach for the Italy national team following Roberto Mancini’s shock decision to resign.

Things have been difficult for the Azzurri following their incredible success at Euro 2020, their first piece of silverware since the World Cup in 2006.

The team missed out on a spot in the 2022 World Cup after a disastrous loss to North Macedonia in their play-off match last year, their second successive absence following their heartbreak in 2018.

Mancini oversaw 61 matches during his time in charge of Italy, picking up 39 wins, 13 draws and nine losses. He also set a new record in international football after guiding the team to a 36-match unbeaten run.

The FIGC’s statement regarding Mancini’s resignation made it clear that a successor hasn’t been decided yet, and fans are calling various names for the role, so who could become the next Italy coach?

1 – Antonio Conte

One of the most popular options to take over is Conte, who previously managed the Azzurri from 2014 to 2016, leading them to the quarter-finals of the European Championships. He is currently out of work following his exit from Tottenham back in March.

The former Chelsea and Inter coach is divisive, with some loving his focus on work-rate and smart counter-attacking play with a 3-5-2 formation, whilst others started to lose faith in him following his acrimonious end in North London.

When he resigned as Italy coach in 2016, he noted that “I don’t deny there were moments when I’d have liked to have the opportunity to continue”, but then later admitted that he left because he “wanted to return to the cut and thrust of club football.”

2 – Luciano Spalletti

Another leading candidate amongst supporters is Spalletti, fresh off his historic success with Napoli last season. The coach ended a 33-year wait for the Serie A title before handing in his resignation at the end of the season, feeling that he needed a break after such an emotional year.

Spalletti would be an interesting appointment, especially because of his ability to build a fluid and attacking squad in a 4-3-3 system. His Napoli side were one of the best in Europe last season and many hope that he could replicate that internationally.

One issue that could prove problematic is the nature of his exit agreement with Napoli; Spalletti agreed to step away from football for a year in order to end his time at the club early, but it’s unclear if this would include the national team. He also felt that he needed a rest after the historic season in Campania.

3 – Massimiliano Allegri

One suggestion that may be fuelled more by one club fanbase than any other is Allegri, who is hardly a popular figure amongst Juventus supporters. The 56-year-old still has two years left on his deal in Turin and his dismissal wouldn’t be cheap, leaving the club in an awkward spot.

Initially Allegri seems a strange appointment considering his low stocks at Juventus, but one thing that’s apparent in international football is that a more defensive pragmatic approach often leads to results, seen with Didier Deschamps’ France and Gareth Southgate’s England.

Much depends on Allegri’s position, however. Should he decide not to leave Juventus, it’s hard to imagine the FIGC convincing him otherwise, especially as his near-future is still seemingly secure at the club.

What the media is saying

Alfredo Pedulla and SportItalia took an early evaluation of the situation, suggesting that Conte and Spalletti are the obvious choices, but both would be difficult. No contact has been opened with Gennaro Gattuso, but Fabio Grosso could become an idea due to his relationship with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.

Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sports Italia agree with this assessment, reporting that Conte and Spalletti are currently the frontrunners for the job. Other names to be considered include Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi.

Sport Mediaset didn’t break ranks with their colleagues and agreed with the various candidates, ranging from Conte and Spalletti to Grosso and Gattuso.