After the fiasco in Bosnia-Herzegovina which led Italy to a third consecutive non-qualification for a World Cup, Gennaro Gattuso, who wanted to leave the Squadra Azzurra, actually terminated his contract: “the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Gennaro Ivan Gattuso have mutually terminated the contract which linked the Calabrian coach to the position of coach of the Italian national football team”. And since then, in addition to the departure of president Gabriele Gravina, the FIGC has been working to find a new coach.
Chosen as a priority to take over the selection, Paolo Maldini does not seem completely convinced of the idea of committing. Just like Simone Inzaghi, who kindly declined: “I’m flattered, but I’m happy here and I still have one year left on my contract with Al Hilal. Do I miss Italian football? I am very sad that Italy will not participate in the World Cup for the third time in a row”. And while Alessandro Del Piero was also mentioned, another big name has just submitted his name.
The FIGC has already suffered several refusals
This is Antonio Conte. During the press conference after Naples’ victory against AC Milan, the former national coach between 2014 and 2016 opened the door. The media must write it: “The media must recognize that it is normal for my name to appear on this list. If I were president of the Federation, I would consider myself among the candidates, with others: for many reasons, Conte would be part of the list. I have already been in the national team and I know the environment well. It flatters me, because representing your country is something beautiful. You know very well that I still have one year of contract and that at the end of the season, I will meet the president”he first blurted out.
Before returning to elimination: “Unfortunately, it is the results that count, and after three World Cups, we must act seriously. When I was coach there was a lot of discussion, but I found little help, even from the clubs. Today, everything is a disaster, but even in disasters, there is always something to save. You have to understand that when things go bad, they go bad whether you qualify or not.”. Its president in Naples, Aurelio De Laurentiis, also validated a departure for the national team last night: “Would I release him if he asked me to come back?” I think I would say yes, but he is intelligent and, without a serious interlocutor, he would have difficulty leading a disorganized structure.. The FIGC will have to decide, but Antonio Conte seems really concerned about the subject.
