Italy have ‘Plan A, Plan B and Plan C’ for new head coach, says FIGC chief

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Italy have a “Plan A, Plan B and Plan C” for the head coach and technical director roles that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is still looking to fill, claims Giovanni Malago.

Malago, who was elected as the FIGC’s new president earlier this month following Gabriele Gravina’s exit, is overseeing an overhaul at the top of the Azzurri’s structure.

Antonio Conte is the favourite to return as head coach, after Gennaro Gattuso departed in the aftermath of Italy’s failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Roberto Mancini has also been linked with a return to the job he left in 2023, having left to take charge of Saudi Arabia. He memorably led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory at Wembley, beating England on penalties.

A new technical director will also be installed with the responsibility of shaping the overall trajectory of Italy’s national teams, with Malago aiming to fill both positions by the end of next week.

Giovanni Malagò is the new President of the FIGC 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/JAkBSkfe94

— Italy  (@Azzurri_En) June 22, 2026

Former AC Milan defensive stalwart Paolo Maldini is reportedly the FIGC’s top target for that latter job, but when asked if Maldini could work with Conte, Malago insisted there are still other names in the frame.

“I wouldn’t get too focused on certain names,” Malago said. “There aren’t just a couple of candidates. 

“In life, when time is tight, and there are big problems to deal with, and above all, deadlines looming, you need a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, too.”

Italy, who have missed the last three editions of the World Cup and only went as far as the last 16 at Euro 2024, return to action in the Nations League on September 25, versus Belgium.
 

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