Like the France team, Italy no longer has a coach. But while Zinédine Zidane will very soon take over at the head of the Blues, his appointment due to be announced next Tuesday, the position could remain vacant for some time on the other side of the Alps, where finding a successor to Gennaro Gattuso is proving more complicated.
Just appointed technical director of the Italian federation (FIGC), Paolo Maldini has the difficult task of straightening out a Nazionale which remains on three consecutive non-participations in the World Cup. Assisted by Leonardo, the ex-AC Milan defender has already surveyed two big names to lead the Squadra Azzurra: Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
“Guardiola? We cannot say more at this time. We also spoke with Carlo Ancelotti before Pep, it seemed wise to start by speaking with the best managers in the world to find out if they would be available for the job”confirmed the former transalpine international (58 years old) on Thursday at a press conference.
It’s stuck between Pep Guardiola and Italy
The Spanish technician, who left Manchester City at the end of the season, has the advantage of being free when his Italian counterpart is currently under contract until 2030 with Brazil. Problem: according to the local press, negotiations are far from being successful between the FIGC and a particularly greedy Pep Guardiola in terms of salaries.
For the future coach of Italy, eliminated in the 2026 World Cup play-offs by Bosnia-Herzegovina in March, it will all start on September 25 against Belgium, in the Nations League. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s teammates will then travel to TĂĽrkiye on September 28 before hosting the French “ZZ” team on October 2.
