Italy: Who will replace Gattuso? Several names are already being mentioned, and rumours are rife!

According to the Italian press, manager Gennaro Gattuso is set to leave following Italy’s elimination in the final of the 2026 World Cup play-offs. Several candidates are being discussed in Italy to take over from him.

His future at the helm of the Nazionale is very uncertain. Following Italy’s elimination by Bosnia (1-1, 1-4 on penalties) in the 2026 World Cup play-off final, Gennaro Gattuso is unlikely to retain his position as manager.

A few hours after the debacle, the former Marseille manager had been backed by the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina. However, Gravina, who has been asked to step down by the Italian Minister for Sport, is expected to tender his resignation this Thursday to the FIGC’s Federal Council. With his departure, Gattuso’s future looks almost impossible.

Early Italian candidates

Who could replace the 2006 World Cup winner on the Italy bench? Roberto Mancini (Al-Sadd) and Antonio Conte (Napoli) are names being mentioned. The former held the post between 2018 and 2023, winning Euro 2021 along the way. His tenure ended after Italy’s elimination in the 2022 World Cup play-offs against North Macedonia (0-1). The latter also managed the Squadra Azzurra between August 2014 and June 2016. He left after the team’s quarter-final exit from Euro 2016 against Germany (1-1, 5-6 on penalties).

The name of a third Italian manager has been mentioned: Massimiliano Allegri. The current AC Milan manager would be a new face for the Nazionale. It remains to be seen whether he would be willing to leave his post, just one year after his return to Lombardy, given that his contract runs until June 2027. Six points behind Inter Milan, he is still in the running for the Serie A title and is set to qualify his team for the next Champions League.

The Guardiola rumour

Finally, another name, that of a foreign manager, is also being mentioned: Josep Guardiola. With the Catalan potentially leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, the Italian Football Federation is reportedly ready to take a chance on him with a boost from sponsors, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Indeed, some financial backing will be needed to attract a manager whose annual salary in England is estimated at €23.8 million.