The Italian national team will likely go through the process of appointing a new head coach soon, and Massimiliano Allegri’s name is on the list.
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As Corriere dello Sport report, Via Allegri – the street on which the headquarters of the FIGC is based – is not just the physical location where increasingly disjointed Italian football will continue to grapple with its shortcomings.
With Gennaro Gattuso’s experience on the wane, to some that street appears as a symbolic path that could lead to the profile of the new coach. Nomen omen, the Latins would have said. Thus, the name of Allegri is beginning to gain ground.
Fans are divided on who should lead the Azzurri. There is the desire to turn to the future on one hand, the temptation to return to the past on the other. In the secret rooms of power there are those who would like to see Roberto Mancini return, the man who won the European Championship.
A big decision to make
We wrote at length last night about the many things Italian football must fix, but a new manager will always remain the biggest topic. Fans and pundits are demanding a strong man in charge, a winning coach with DNA, a manager of champions and someone who makes players better.
There aren’t many of them around. It’s the desire for revolution that winks at the need for serenity, the need for a change that embraces logic in tactical decisions. It will also take a certain charisma to lift the spirits of an entire nation.
Allegri has never been displeased by the idea of becoming Azzurri coach, while Mancini would rush back to Coverciano. The fact that his contract with Al-Sadd is short-term – unlike Allegri’s with Milan (2027 with an option until 2028) – could make things easier for him.
📰 Today’s edition of @CorSport…
😨 "Italy turn to Allegri. But Mancini resurfaces strongly at the FIGC, with Abete as deputy."
🇮🇹 "Max as the new coach: he's the fans' great dream. Roberto is pushing to return. Conte is popular." pic.twitter.com/iekIsJvgBi
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) April 2, 2026
The Azzurri would need a coach by the end of May, when Italy will act as a sparring partner for some national teams preparing for the World Cup. Between late September and early October, the first Nations League games comes against Belgium, Turkey, France and again against Turkey.
Like it or not, the Nazionale need to be fully prepared for those matches. Qualifying for the 2028 European Championship will begin in March 2027.