Paolo Maldini is pushing for Andrea Pirlo to become the next manager of the Italy national team, despite interest from high-profile candidates like Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.
What happened?
Andrea Pirlo has emerged as a strong candidate to become the next manager of the Italy national team, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo reportedly backing him for the role. This development comes as the Italian Football Federation weighs up alternatives, including an ambitious move for Pep Guardiola.
Why it matters for Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini's support for Pirlo is significant, given their shared history at AC Milan. The two won two Champions League titles together, and Maldini believes Pirlo can revitalise a broken national system. However, Conte and Mancini remain strong candidates, with both having expressed interest in returning to the role.
What comes next?
A definitive three-way summit involving Paolo Maldini, Leonardo, and FIGC president Giovanni Malago is expected shortly to finalise their primary managerial targets. A final decision on the new Italy head coach should arrive by the end of the weekend, with fans eagerly watching to see whether the federation opts for the tactical reassurance of Conte or Mancini, or embraces a new era under Pirlo to end their World Cup curse.
Paolo Maldini's influence in the selection process represents a significant shift in methodology for Italy, driven heavily by Maldini and Leonardo. The final decision will rely on this new collaborative structure, with Malago stating that the federation will identify the profiles in the field with Maldini and Leonardo to find a synthesis.
The selection process is a response to the Italian national team's darkest period in their history, having shockingly failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cup tournaments in 2018, 2022, and 2026. This unprecedented crisis for the four-time winners is particularly humiliating considering the latest edition expanded to 48 teams from 32.
Andrea Pirlo has joined the managerial shortlist to rebuild for the 2030 World Cup, having recently won promotion in Dubai with United FC. Pirlo's appointment would be a significant move, given his World Cup win with Italy in 2006.
The Italian Football Federation continues to weigh up alternatives, including an ambitious move for Guardiola. FIGC president Giovanni Malago acknowledged the difficulties, especially concerning financial viability. Malago explained that the possible choice of someone like the former City manager would not be a very important event, but then there are the numbers and the compatibility needs to be understood.
The selection process represents a significant shift in methodology for Italy, driven heavily by Maldini and Leonardo. Conte and Mancini remain strong candidates who are waiting for a call, with both having expressed interest in returning to the role. Conte offers immediate tactical clarity, while Mancini previously delivered the European Championship in 2021.
A final decision on the new Italy head coach should arrive by the end of the weekend, with fans eagerly watching to see whether the federation opts for the tactical reassurance of Conte or Mancini, or embraces a new era under Pirlo to end their World Cup curse.
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