Italy consider Maldini, Ranieri, Buffon for manager role after World Cup failure

Italy are searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Gennaro Gattuso following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Paolo Maldini, Claudio Ranieri and Gianluigi Buffon emerging as contenders.

The Azzurri became the first former world champions to miss three consecutive World Cups after a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti during the qualification campaign, was dismissed in the aftermath.

The candidates

• Paolo Maldini, the legendary AC Milan defender, is reportedly the top candidate but is expected to decline the role.
• Claudio Ranieri, 74, has vast experience across 18 clubs and led Leicester City to a historic Premier League title in 2016.
• Gianluigi Buffon, Italy’s all-time appearance holder with 179 caps, has no managerial experience but served as head of delegation for the FIGC until April.
• Italy have only ever had one non-Italian manager, Helenio Herrera, in a joint role in the 1960s, suggesting the next boss will be Italian.

A nation in transition

The Azzurri have struggled since their Euro 2020 triumph, exiting Euro 2024 in the last 16. Key players like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Federico Chiesa, now 27 and 28, have never played at a World Cup. The new manager will be tasked with rebuilding for the next cycle.

The FIGC is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks as they look to restore Italy’s standing on the global stage.