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Shock exit from Roberto Mancini leaves Italy in Utter Chaos

As the dust settles on Roberto Mancini’s unexpected resignation from his role as Italy’s national team coach, we look at potential replacements

Lorenzo Insigne

With months left for EURO 2024, Italy’s head coach Roberto Mancini, who was the mastermind in taking them to a famous win in 2020, has resigned. This shocking move puts chaos into the Italian Football Federation and the fans who are set to purchase UEFA Euro 2024 tickets as they will battle against time to make amends for the decision. 

With Mancini completing five years spearheading the Azzuri, his journey has been one of triumphs and setbacks. The win that came at Wembley against England will be one that the entire football world remembers. 

But the team’s failure to reach the FIFA 2024 World Cup will be a black marker hovering around his managerial stint for the rest of his career. The 2006 winners failed to qualify for the world cup for the first time since 1958, in 2024. 

A pivotal moment etched in Italian football history arrived when they faced a formidable foe, Sweden, in a crucial home encounter in 2017. A 0-0 draw on their turf proved their undoing, as Sweden’s unwavering resilience paved their path to the World Cup finals in Russia, clinching a 1-0 aggregate victory.

The repercussions were profound, with the departure of stalwart players resonating deeply. The echoes of retirement reverberated through the Italian camp as Andrea Barzagli, Daniele De Rossi, and the revered captain Gianluigi Buffon bid farewell to the national team, emblemizing an era’s end.

Top-level Clashes? 

Another recent report suggests that the reason behind Mancini’s exit is owing to internal clashes between him and president Gabriele Gravina ver the technical staff reshuffle. Sources close to Italian football add that this could have ignited a divide that would have propelled Mancini’s exit. 

Mancini announced his resignation on social media, conveying his gratitude to the FIGC (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio – Italian Football Federation), the players, and the loyal fans who came to watch them play with UEFA Euro 2024 tickets in the build-up to the main tournament. 

With Mancini ending terms with Italy, there is speculation on his next move. The media reports point to the financially lucrative Saudi Arabian Football Federation being his next employer, but nothing is confirmed. 

But, keeping the speculation aside, now void left by Mancini, is now a problem for Italy as they need to act fast to find a successor. 

Several candidates, including Max Allegri and Antonio Conte, are on Italy’s shortlist. Both candidates would’ve been ideal solutions, but their club contracts overrule the possibility. 

Fans with UEFA Euro 2024 tickets would’ve loved to see Antonio Conte taking charge of the Azzurri, with the ex-Tottenham manager currently without a management job.

Fans with UEFA Euro 2024 tickets also remember their 2016 Euro win, which came under Antonio Conte. Still, there is a question if he is interested in managing Italy again or any other international side per se. 

Luciano Spalletti, the jubilant coach from Napoli that won the Serie A after 33 years, is a contender, but their availability is in question. 

Despite this unforeseen twist, the journey of the Italian national football team continues unabated. As Euro 2024 qualifiers in Group C loom, Italy will embark on their mission, commencing on September 9th against North Macedonia. 

With UEFA Euro 2024 tickets out already for the North Macedonia clash, there is more to the fixture than what we see on the outside. 

Coincidentally, North Macedonia dramatically ousted Mancini’s squad in the 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout tie in Palermo, and this time around, it will be more than just 90 minutes. 

The Next Boss? 

As the dust settles on Roberto Mancini’s unexpected resignation from his role as Italy’s national team coach, the spotlight of the fans with UEFA Euro 2024 tickets will be to see who will successfully defend the Euro 2020 crown. 

Italy should be fine in securing qualification, and several candidates are available to fill the job at Azzuri. 

Fabio Cannavaro:

Fans remember Cannanvaro, who captained Italy to a famous World Cup triumph in 2006. 

Cannavaro’s name has often surfaced as a potential managerial candidate, and he looks like a candidate to fit in directly. 

Although his coaching track record is less illustrious than his playing career, his brief experience with China’s national team might add a unique perspective to his approach.

Gennaro Gattuso:

Gattuso was another member of Italy’s triumphant 2006 squad, and over the last decade, Gattuso has transitioned from player to management with decent success with roles at Milan and Napoli. 

Gattuso has transitioned into management with moderate success at clubs like Milan and Napoli. His tenacious playing style could translate into a gritty coaching ethos, making him a contender for the national team role.

Antonio Conte: 

Having already guided Italy through Euro 2016 with tactical acumen, Conte’s return would be familiar. While his recent club stints have been met with mixed results, his tactical prowess could still shine on the international stage.

For Conte, it will look like a homecoming to Italy, but the question is if he is actually interested in the job and how his tactical understanding fits into the current Italy side. 

For fans with UEFA Euro 2024 tickets, Conte is the ideal candidate. 

Luciano Spalletti: 

If there is one coach who’s gotten all of the praise in Italy, it has been Spalletti and Napoli. After decades of being second fiddle, Napoli’s time came to rise to the top, winning the Serie A title. 

His tactical brilliance and playing style at Napoli is similar to that of the national side, and it can be a smooth transition. But, after a successful league season, it is questionable if Spalletti will consider leaving the job. 

Massimiliano Allegri: 

Known for his pragmatic approach, Allegri’s experience could be an asset in an international context. While his current focus is on club management, Allegri’s expertise might entice the Azzurri.

The Italian Football Federation faces a crucial decision in selecting the next custodian of Italy’s football legacy. Each candidate brings a distinct set of skills and experiences, making the choice a reflection of the nation’s footballing aspirations.

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