Italy search for new coach after Pirlo scandal: Conte, Mancini, Pioli and Palladino
Quick summary
The Italian Football Federation is searching for a new national team coach following Andrea Pirlo's tenure, with Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli, and Raffaele Palladino among the candidates.
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Attributed to original sourceWith Andrea Pirlo increasingly unlikely to be offered the Italy job due to his Russian betting association, the search resumes with Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli and Raffaele Palladino among candidates.
The Azzurri had already seen Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turn down the proposal, so technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo turned to Pirlo.
However, an outcry in Italy over his global brand ambassador role for a Russian betting company has sparked tension and even the threat of legal action if he was given the Nazionale job.
Italy looking for Plan D FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram. They are now forced to look even further down the list to Plan D, which might mean the return to the bench of either Conte or Mancini.
Of the two, Mancini would be more eager and certainly cheaper, but as former Azzurri bosses, they won’t be too pleased to be considered behind Pirlo in the pecking order.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 12: Paolo Maldini AC Milan Technical director and Stefano Pioli AC Milan look on coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on July 12, 2020 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) La Gazzetta dello Sport looks at some of the other candidates, especially ones who are currently free agents.
Pioli already worked closely with Maldini at Milan, where they won the Scudetto, but was fired by Fiorentina just a few weeks into last season.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Coach of Atalanta Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images) Palladino is more in the Pirlo mould, a young coach focused on possession football, following in the footsteps of his mentor Gian Piero Gasperini.
He is 42 years old and had some impressive campaigns with Monza, Fiorentina and Atalanta, who he dragged out of danger into a sixth-place finish in Serie A when taking over in November 2025.
Palladino was unable to agree on a strategy going forward, so left Atalanta by mutual consent this summer.
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What happened
After Andrea Pirlo's departure amid a scandal, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) led by president Gravina is evaluating candidates to become the next head coach of the Italy national team. Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli, and Raffaele Palladino are mentioned as the main contenders. The decision will shape Italy's preparation for upcoming international fixtures and major tournaments. The article explores each candidate's profile and suitability for the role.
Chance analysis
The Italy coaching vacancy is a significant national team decision that will affect the Azzurri's tactical approach and competitive trajectory. Each candidate brings a distinct profile: Conte is a proven winner with strong tactical discipline, Mancini has prior experience with the national team including Euro 2020 success, Pioli offers club-level pedigree from AC Milan, and Palladino represents a younger, rising option. The choice signals FIGC's strategic direction—whether to prioritize experience, continuity, or renewal. This directly impacts Italy's competitiveness in upcoming qualifiers and tournaments.
Italy's national team will undergo a managerial change, potentially altering tactical approach, squad dynamics, and short-term competitive performance.
Monitor Italy's next coaching appointment as it will determine tactical identity and squad selection for upcoming international matches.