Will Guardiola take over as Italy's coach?

Uncertainty surrounds the future of head coach Gennaro Gattuso within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), with growing indications pointing to his imminent departure from the national team following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup. This setback has had a significant impact on both the technical and morale levels of Italian football . According to Italian press reports, Gattuso's continued tenure is becoming increasingly difficult under mounting pressure, prompting officials to consider several prominent candidates to succeed him in an effort to rebuild the team and restore its standing among the elite . Roberto Mancini's name stands out as a leading contender, given his previous experience with the national team, during which he led them to victory in Euro 2020. He is seen as a viable option capable of restoring stability and guiding the team through a new era. While his departure in 2023 was not without controversy, potential changes within the FIGC could pave the way for his return . Antonio Conte is also among the candidates, benefiting from his previous experience with the national team from 2014 to 2016. However, his appointment faces some complications due to his current contract with Napoli. This would require reaching an agreement allowing him to leave or combine the two roles, especially given the federation's refusal to appoint an interim coach until the start of the UEFA Nations League . Massimiliano Allegri's name is also being mentioned as a possible option, given his extensive experience in Italian football. He is currently managing AC Milan in his second stint and is under contract until 2027, meaning his departure hinges on reaching an agreement with his club . On the other hand, the name of Spaniard Pep Guardiola remains strongly present in the discussions, as he is the Italian Federation's "biggest dream," given his distinguished coaching record with Manchester City. However, signing him seems very complicated at the moment, given his contract with his club, and any possible move will not be before the end of the 2025-2026 season, making it more of a future ambition than a realistic option at the moment .