Italy coach search: Maldini, Malagò and Leonardo hold shortlist talks
Quick summary
Paolo Maldini, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, and Leonardo are discussing the shortlist for the next Italy national team head coach position.
Full article
Attributed to original sourcePaolo Maldini, Leonardo and Giovanni Malagò will finalise a shortlist of candidates for the Italy head coach role, with a final decision expected by next week, according to Gazzetta.
Italy will appoint a new head coach in the coming days and, according to Gazzetta, FIGC President Malagò will hold talks with technical director Maldini and his advisor Leonardo today.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò hold Italy coach talks
It’s not guaranteed that the trio will meet in person, but they are expected to make contact today to discuss the candidates for the job for the first time.
Gennaro Gattuso, a former teammate of Leonardo and Maldini at Milan, resigned after failing to secure World Cup qualification in March and was temporarily replaced by U21 coach Silvio Baldini for friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
Conte and Mancini were mentioned as the main candidates for the Italy job until yesterday, but Gazzetta notes that Conte is no longer in the first row, while Mancini holds a solid bond with Malagò.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the Italy job in recent hours, but Gazzetta highlights that securing a deal with the former Manchester City boss might prove tricky for the federation, primarily for financial reasons.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò are expected to agree on a shortlist today, while the final decision over the new Italy coach will reportedly be made by next week.
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What happened
Italy's search for a new national team coach is advancing, with Paolo Maldini, Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò, and former coach Leonardo reportedly holding talks on the shortlist. The role has been vacant following Italy's failure to qualify for recent major tournaments, making it one of the most scrutinized positions in world football. The discussions suggest the FIGC is weighing high-profile Italian candidates with international experience. No appointment has been confirmed, but the involvement of football figures of this stature indicates the federation is aiming for a prestigious appointment ahead of upcoming qualifying campaigns.
Chance analysis
The Italy national team coaching vacancy is one of the most consequential in international football, given Italy's pedigree and recent underperformance. Involving figures of Maldini and Leonardo's caliber — both with elite playing and directorial experience — signals a desire for a leader who commands dressing-room respect. The eventual appointment will directly shape Italy's tactical identity and World Cup/Euro qualifying prospects, with the chosen coach's first matches carrying significant weight in rebuilding confidence.
Italy's national team remains in transition with no confirmed coach, creating short-term uncertainty around their playing style and selection for upcoming fixtures.
Track Italy's next coach appointment closely — it will materially affect their upcoming competitive match odds and tactical approach.