Palladino leading candidate for Italy job, with Pirlo and Mancini also options
Quick summary
Raffaele Palladino is being considered as the next Italy national team coach, with Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini as alternative candidates.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAnother intriguing name has emerged to become the new Italy coach, as Raffaele Palladino is without a job after experiences with Fiorentina and Atalanta.
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at New Balance Arena on December 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The Nazionale is seeking a tactician, with the task given to technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo to choose the heir to Gennaro Gattuso.
Andrea Pirlo has been mentioned as a strong candidate, along with the potential returns of Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte.
Palladino next name on Italy list BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia semifinal match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) However, Tuttosport now point towards another new name, believing Palladino has a chance of becoming Italy coach.
The 42-year-old is one of the many coaches who developed under the shadow of Gian Piero Gasperini and adopted many of his techniques.
Palladino started his coaching career at Monza in 2022, moving on to one season at Fiorentina in 2024-25, taking them to the Conference League semi-finals.
Last term, he took over from Ivan Juric for Atalanta in November 2025, steering them out of the danger zone to secure Conference League qualification and a Coppa Italia semi-final spot.
He walked away from Atalanta due to a dispute over their future strategy.
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What happened
Following the departure of the previous Italy head coach, Raffaele Palladino has emerged as a leading candidate for the position. The former Fiorentina coach, who had a strong start to his managerial career, is reportedly being seriously evaluated by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Andrea Pirlo and former Italy boss Roberto Mancini are also mentioned as potential options, though the federation appears to be leaning toward a younger, emerging coach in Palladino. The appointment would be significant for Italy as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Chance analysis
The Italy national team is in a transitional phase after recent disappointing results, and the coaching appointment will shape their tactical identity ahead of upcoming tournaments. Palladino represents a modern, attack-minded approach that contrasts with Mancini's established pedigree. The choice of a relatively young Italian coach signals a rebuilding strategy rather than a return to a familiar name. For club teams employing any of these candidates, this could trigger further managerial market movement.
The next Italy coach appointment will reshape the national team's tactical direction and player pool, potentially boosting or limiting opportunities for various Italian players depending on the chosen philosophy.
Monitor Italy's upcoming matches and the FIGC's official announcement; the new coach's tactical system will affect player selection and Italy's competitive prospects.