The Italian Football Federation (Figc) is engaged in selecting the new head coach of the national team following a series of events that have called into question the technical project built so far. The main options for the bench have narrowed to two names: Roberto Mancini, indicated as the favorite, and Antonio Conte. For the role of technical director, Giorgio Chiellini is in a prominent position, along with Claudio Ranieri and Gianfranco Zola among the options mentioned.

The situation originated from Andrea Pirlo's withdrawal as a candidate for the national team head coach position, announced by Pirlo himself on social media, followed by the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who had been tasked with designing the new technical course of the Federation. Pirlo expressed bitterness at having ended up at the center of a controversy with political overtones. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi described the situation as an embarrassing episode, suggesting a possible link to an issue regarding a Russian sponsor, while Figc president Giovanni Malagò replied that responsibility depends on who created the situation.

Maldini had proposed Thiago Motta as head coach, but the idea did not receive the support of the federal president and was not convincing to Maldini himself, leading to the resignation announced during a Figc meeting. Leonardo, in turn, justified his departure citing reasons of incompatibility and style, stating that there is no openness to change.

Regarding Malagò's registration status, the federal prosecutor's office has opened a file to verify whether the president was in compliance with registration requirements at the time of his election, as required by Article 29 of the Figc statute. The appeal was filed by lawyer Renato Miele during the electoral campaign. The Figc has stated that Malagò was deemed eligible by the competent offices. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for the validity of the acts carried out so far.

Giancarlo Abete, president of the National Amateur League and a rival defeated by Malagò in the June elections, stated that he learned of the resignations through the media, stressing the need to restart with a serious project and awaiting indications from Malagò on the order of appointments. The federal president spent the day in meetings with various football stakeholders and contacts to define the technical team, with a federal council expected shortly for final decisions.