Antonio Conte is emerging as the leading candidate to become Italy’s next head coach, with Giovanni Malagò preparing a major rebuild that could also bring Paolo Maldini back into the national team setup.
Giovanni Malagò’s first days as president of the Italian Football Federation have been dominated by one priority: rebuilding the national team after another painful chapter in Italian football history.
The newly elected FIGC president is expected to move quickly on the sporting side of the federation, appointing a new technical director before selecting the next head coach of the Azzurri. Former Milan captain Paolo Maldini remains the preferred option for the director role, while Antonio Conte has increasingly become the frontrunner to take charge of the national team.
What once appeared to be an unrealistic target because of financial constraints is now gaining momentum.
According to reports from Italy, Conte is willing to significantly reduce his salary demands in order to return to the Italy bench. The former Juventus, Chelsea and Napoli manager reportedly considers coaching the national team a unique opportunity and is prepared to make what Malagò has repeatedly described as a “choice from the heart.”
Malagò has publicly insisted that Italy’s next coach must embrace the challenge with total commitment, understanding both the expectations and the responsibility that come with leading a nation desperate to return to the top of world football.
Conte fits that profile perfectly.
The 56-year-old guided Italy to the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2016 and is widely regarded as one of the best motivators and tacticians in modern football. His demanding personality, winning mentality and ability to maximize resources have convinced many within Italian football that he is the ideal figure to lead a sporting revival.
Conte’s candidacy is also receiving strong backing from Serie A clubs.
Several presidents believe his appointment would benefit not only the national team but also the domestic game, increasing the value and visibility of Italian players. According to reports, some top-flight clubs could even contribute financially to help cover Conte’s salary, creating an unprecedented collaboration between the federation and Serie A.
Such involvement could also improve relations between clubs and the national team staff, reducing resistance to extended training camps and creating a more cooperative environment for player development.
While Roberto Mancini remains an alternative, there appears to be growing skepticism among several influential figures regarding a return for the coach who led Italy to victory at UEFA Euro 2020.
For Malagò, appointing Conte would represent an immediate statement of intent.
The president campaigned on the promise of bringing Italy back to the FIFA World Cup and understands that restoring credibility begins with a high-profile appointment capable of inspiring players, supporters and the entire football system.
Italy’s rebuild may still be in its early stages, but the message coming from Rome is increasingly clear: everyone is being asked to make sacrifices, from the federation and Serie A clubs to Conte himself, in an effort to return the Azzurri to where they believe they belong.
