Mancini is the new leading candidate for Italy job

Multiple sources, including Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that Roberto Mancini is now the leading candidate to become the new Italy coach, replacing Silvio Baldini.

Roberto Mancini is the new leading candidate for the Italy job, according to several sources, including Gianluca Di Marzio.

Who will be the new Italy coach?

The Italian transfer expert told TMW that Mancini’s return to the Italy bench is just a “formality.”

Mancini, 61, already took charge of La Nazionale from 2018 to 2023, winning the Euros in 2021 but also failing to qualify for the World Cup the following year.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned as the Azzurri coach last March after missing out on World Cup qualification and was replaced by interim coach Baldini, who took charge of the Azzurri for June friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, winning both matches 1-0.

Baldini was promoted from the U21 team and will return to work with the Azzurrini once a new first-team coach is appointed.

Calciomercato.com and transfer expert Niccolò Schira confirm that Mancini is now the main candidate for the job.

According to Schira, Mancini will sign a €2m-a-year contract until 2030.

AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mancini left the Azzurri in 2023 to become the Saudi Arabia national team coach, remaining in charge for barely one year.

He has repeatedly acknowledged that leaving the Italian national team was a mistake and has expressed regret about that decision.

The FIGC Presidential election will take place only on June 22, 2026, but Giovanni Malagò is the leading candidate and has a strong bond with Mancini, so the ex-Manchester City boss and Sampdoria legend is expected to begin a second tenure at Coverciano in the coming weeks.