Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 27 Jul 2026
Italy coach race narrows to Mancini vs Conte again
Maldini's bold plan for a new Italy bench collapses, reviving the old duel.
Italy
team
Situation
FIGC President Malagò favours Mancini; Serie A clubs push for Conte
Previous tenures
Conte 2014-16; Mancini won Euro 2020, resigned summer 2023
Maldini exit
Resigned 16 days after appointment as technical director
What happened. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resigned as Italy's technical director and special advisor after their attempts to hire Ancelotti, Guardiola, or Pirlo failed.
- Maldini's project aimed for a fresh approach but was blocked.
- Pirlo's appointment was vetoed due to his betting company role.
- Both Mancini and Conte are currently out of contract.
Italy must now choose between two former national team coaches to lead the Nazionale.
In this story
R. Mancini
A. ConteMore to read
Football Italia
Italy search for new coach after Pirlo scandal: Conte, Mancini, Pioli and Palladino
Football Italia
Mancini’s first Italy press conference: Reasons for optimism and concern
The Guardian
‘I’m very sorry’: Mancini apologises after being reappointed as Italy head coach
Football Italia
Mancini: ‘Italy the love of my life, I hope fans can forgive me’
