The famed Italian national football team, the Azzurri, finds itself at a precarious crossroads. A legacy steeped in World Cup glory is now shadowed by an unsettling pattern of underperformance and, more alarmingly, absence from football`s grandest stage. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers already underway and a recent coaching upheaval, Italy is in a desperate race against time to redefine its footballing identity and secure its place among the global elite. The question on every fan`s mind isn`t just who will lead them, but can anyone truly resurrect a fallen giant?
A Legacy Tarnished: The Current Predicament
For a nation that proudly boasts four World Cup titles, missing the last two consecutive tournaments (2018 and 2022) was not merely a disappointment; it was an unprecedented humiliation. This historical drought has been compounded by a lacklustre showing at Euro 2024, where the team was unceremoniously knocked out in the Round of 16 by Switzerland. As if that wasn`t enough pressure, the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has begun on a jarring note, with a resounding 3-0 defeat to Norway serving as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
The recent departure of coach Luciano Spalletti, a move announced surprisingly ahead of a qualifying match against Moldova (a 2-0 victory that offered little solace), has only intensified the turmoil. Spalletti, who had only taken the reins in 2023, was tasked with a long-term project. His sudden exit has left the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) scrambling, with time a luxury they simply cannot afford.
The Managerial Maze: Project vs. Pragmatism
The FIGC initially sought a coach aligned with Spalletti`s vision for a youthful, evolving team. Claudio Ranieri, a veteran tactician known for his astute management, was reportedly approached but opted to decline, cementing his commitment to AS Roma. This rejection highlighted the complexity of the role: a blend of immediate results and foundational rebuilding. The federation now faces a stark choice: continue pursuing a long-term, development-focused manager, or bring in an experienced hand capable of navigating the immediate, treacherous waters of qualification.
The Contenders: Legends and a Special One
Amidst the speculation, several names have surfaced as potential successors, broadly falling into two camps:
- The 2006 World Cup Heroes: Names like Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro, all integral parts of Italy`s last World Cup-winning squad, are prominently mentioned. Their appointment would carry significant symbolic weight, resonating with fans and perhaps offering a bridge to a glorious past. Gennaro Gattuso, in particular, appears to be the frontrunner, representing a hopeful return to a golden era.
- The Enigmatic Outsider: Jose Mourinho: Perhaps the most intriguing, and certainly the most polarizing, candidate to emerge is Jose Mourinho. The “Special One,” with his storied career and recent success in Italy (Inter Milan, AS Roma), offers a compelling counter-narrative to the FIGC`s stated preference for a “young manager.”
Mourinho: The Unconventional Savior?
The prospect of Mourinho leading the Azzurri is a fascinating one. While the federation reportedly desires a manager for a long-term project, the immediate crisis screams for a short-term, high-impact solution. Mourinho excels in such scenarios. His tactical pragmatism, his ability to galvanize teams under pressure, and his proven track record of securing results—even if the football isn`t always aesthetically pleasing—make him an undeniably appealing option when qualification hangs by a thread.
His deep familiarity with Italian football, having achieved domestic and European success with Inter and guiding Roma to a European trophy, means he wouldn`t require a significant adaptation period. Mourinho has, on multiple occasions, expressed a desire to coach a national team, famously turning down Portugal in 2023 to honor his commitment to Roma. Could Italy be the nation that finally tempts him into international management?
However, the idea of Mourinho leading the Azzurri clashes with the federation`s desire for a youth-centric, project-based approach. His methods are often seen as short-term fixes, designed to win now, sometimes at the expense of long-term development. Yet, for a team on the brink of missing a third consecutive World Cup, “winning now” might be precisely what`s required.
The Road Ahead: A Tightrope Walk
With Gennaro Gattuso now widely tipped to take the helm, the Italian national team faces an incredibly challenging ten months. There is virtually no margin for error. The stakes could not be higher: another World Cup absence would not only be a severe blow to the national psyche but could also have profound implications for the future of Italian football.
The appointment of a new coach is more than just filling a vacancy; it`s about reigniting hope, restoring pride, and navigating a perilous path towards redemption. Whether it`s a nostalgic return to a 2006 hero or a bold gamble on an unconventional tactician, the next manager of the Azzurri will inherit one of the most demanding jobs in international football. The world will be watching to see if Italy can finally emerge from its prolonged period of darkness and reclaim its rightful place on the global stage.
The Italian national team`s journey to the 2026 World Cup promises to be a dramatic one. The search for a new manager is not just a tactical decision, but a symbolic one, reflecting a nation grappling with its footballing identity. Only time will tell if the chosen leader can steer the Azzurri ship away from the rocks and back into the calmer waters of international qualification.
