Roberto Mancini’s decision to step down as the Italy national team boss caught the nation off guard on Sunday. The 53-year-old’s resignation came out of the blue, forcing Gli Azzuri to seek an immediate replacement.
Mancini was at the helm for five years, helping Italy win the Euro 2020 title. But after missing out on the 2022 World Cup qualification, his tenure fell apart. The former Serie A winner with Inter oversaw an indifferent start to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Italy followed up a 2-1 defeat to England with a morale-boosting 2-0 win at Malta. But they currently languish in third in qualifying Group C, albeit they have a game in hand on runners-up Ukraine. Whoever replaces Mancini will have little time to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte are the frontrunners to take over the managerial reigns. While the former has never forayed into international management, the latter is familiar with the job.
Conte was in the Italy dugout for two years between 2014 and 2016 before returning to club management to take charge of Chelsea. But after an ill-fated stint at Tottenham last season, the 54-year-old may not be the ideal candidate for the post.
Spalletti is a free agent after cutting ties with Napoli following a title-winning Serie A season. He could be a decent option, but Italy must make a move fast. Their next qualifying fixtures come up in early September.
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