Italy coach salary could be covered by Serie A clubs: ‘From hostility to resources’

A remarkable offer from Serie A clubs to help pay the salary of a top new Italy coach has impressed Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi. ‘We’ve gone from hostility to putting resources at our disposal.’

The Azzurri are currently without a coach after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in the wake of the failed World Cup play-offs against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It would seem to be down to a choice of two former bosses who might return, Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte, but the latter would require remarkable wages.

Clubs could help support Italy costs

COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With that in mind, it was revealed that the Lega Serie A offered to set up a fund to help pay for this salary if it meant Italy getting a great tactician.

“As far as I am concerned, anything that helps to strengthen the culture and competitiveness of the Azzurri is welcome, also learning from the errors of the past,” said Minister for Sport Abodi today.

“If we have gone from substantial neutrality, if not occasional hostility, to the proposal of putting resources at our disposal, then it means we are making some progress at last.”

Serie A clubs have in general struggled to support the Italy team, complaining when their players are taken away on international duty if not fully fit, and refusing to allow time for extra training get togethers during the season.

If they are coming together to offer money for a new coach, then that does suggest the Lega Serie A recognise the importance of the Nazionale to the entire football movement.