Candidates to replace Roberto Mancini as Italy manager for Euro 2024
- Roberto Mancini stunningly opted to resign as Italy manager
- Euro 2024 is just ten months out
- 2006 World Cup heroes listed as potential replacements
The return of club football across the continent should've thrust the international sphere to the back of our minds until the September break annoys us all, but news of Roberto Mancini's resignation was well worthy of making the headlines.
It's been a whirlwind of a tenure. Mancini entered the fold with the Azzurri at their lowest, but he quickly turned things around and evolved his country into European champions. The bleakness returned in the wake of such a scintillating triumph as Italy failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but Mancini, having overseen the Azzurri's defeat to North Macedonia which sealed their fate, was backed to lead his nation out in Germany next summer.
But it'll be another man tasked with defending Italy's crown at Euro 2024 (presuming they qualify). News broke on Sunday of Mancini's resignation, and it's not yet clear who'll succeed the suave 58-year-old as Azzurri boss.
Here are five candidates.
1. Fabio Cannavaro
When Mancini's job was on the line after Italy's most recent World Cup humiliation, Cannavaro was touted as a potential successor should the role open up.
Best remembered for leading the Azzurri to World Cup glory in 2006 and winning the Ballon d'Or off the back of his majestic displays in Germany, Cannavaro hasn't quite built a managerial CV comparable to his playing days.
The former superstar defender has enjoyed several managerial stints out in Asia and he does have international management experience as he took charge of China for an albeit brief period.
His first managerial venture into Europe ended in disaster as he was sacked by Benevento just a few months into the job.
2. Gennaro Gattuso
Another discussed candidate was Gattuso, who also played a starring role in Italy's 2006 triumph.
A no-nonsense midfielder with multiple lungs seemingly at his disposal, Gattuso is undoubtedly a more accomplished manager than Cannavaro. Rino had moderate success at Milan and Napoli before moving on to Valencia which proved to be a job perhaps above his pay grade given the difficulty.
Nevertheless, Gattuso could be the character the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turn to in the wake of Mancini's resignation. He'll contrast to the more stoic 58-year-old, and perhaps not look quite so suave in an Armani suit, but he'll do everything he can to ensure his Italy side are a success.
Gattuso bleeds red, white, and green.
3. Antonio Conte
The FIGC have turned to Conte once, and the former Juventus captain worked a minor miracle with one of the worst talent pools Italy have ever produced.
His Azzurri outfit at Euro 2016 were tactically supreme, and they were able to punch well above their weight as a result.
Conte's reputation has taken a bit of a hit as a result of his work at Tottenham (given how quickly it crashed and burned after a promising start), but I'm sure the FIGC won't be deterred if Conte shows an interest in round two.
For the Italian to be a success at the highest level, even on the international stage, he needs absolute buy-in from every squad member. He won't have any issues with the national team, although Conte is likely to return to Serie A and club management before considering a reunion with the Azzurri.
4. Luciano Spalletti
Napoli's Scudetto triumph was the culmination of a career's work for Spalletti. Perpetually the bridesmaid, Spalletti finally became the bride as his Napoli team dazzled their way to domestic glory.
The spiky Italian then opted to enjoy some time off after reaching the pinnacle of calcio, but he's certainly not called it a career just yet.
While a return to Naples is considered likely further down the line, perhaps Spalletti could be drawn away from his Tuscan vineyards for a role that's perhaps less demanding - until the major tournaments roll around - than managing an elite club.
There are some stylistic similarities with Mancini, too, so the changeover would likely be smooth.
5. Massimiliano Allegri
While the wily pragmatist deserves credit for guiding the Bianconeri through a dark period last season, there are major doubts as to whether Allegri can guide Juve to the summit of Italian football once again.
His methods are prosaic, and Juve have long been a tough watch under his tutelage.
International management would suit this current iteration of Allegri, but he seems wedded to the idea of sticking it through with the Old Lady.