Italy’s hunt for a new national team manager has suffered another setback after Andrea Pirlo was withdrawn from consideration due to his association with a Russian betting company. The former World Cup winner had emerged as a leading candidate following rejections from Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, but his role as a global brand ambassador for the gambling firm sparked public outcry and threats of legal action.
Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, who are overseeing the selection process, have been forced to revisit their shortlist. The pair had initially turned to Pirlo only after failing to secure their top targets, but the controversy surrounding the 46-year-old’s commercial ties has made his appointment politically impossible.
Former Bosses Back in Frame
The search now centres on a group of experienced Serie A coaches, including two former Italy managers. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have both returned to the reckoning, though sources suggest neither is enthused by their position behind Pirlo in the original pecking order. Of the two, Mancini is understood to be more eager to return and would represent the cheaper option.
Stefano Pioli also features prominently on the list. The 59-year-old previously worked alongside Maldini at Milan, where they secured the Scudetto, but his stock has fallen since a brief and unsuccessful spell at Fiorentina last season. He was dismissed by the Viola just weeks into the campaign.
Palladino Emerges as Alternative
Raffaele Palladino offers a different profile entirely. The 42-year-old, who left Atalanta by mutual consent this summer after failing to agree on a long-term strategy, has built a reputation for possession-based football during stints with Monza, Fiorentina and the Bergamo side.
Appointed at Atalanta in November 2025, Palladino guided the struggling team to a sixth-place finish in Serie A, dragging them clear of relegation danger. His tactical approach follows the influence of mentor Gian Piero Gasperini, though he remains untested at international level.
With the Azzurri facing mounting pressure to appoint a successor before upcoming competitive fixtures, Maldini and Leonardo must now weigh the merits of experience against the potential for fresh ideas. The federation’s preference for a coach currently without club commitments has narrowed the field to those available for immediate appointment.