Italy’s repechage to the World Cup, a resounding name pops up for the post-Gattuso team
Crucial weeks for the Italian national team, which in addition to waiting for the verdict on the possible repechage to the World Cup (Iran’s position remains in the balance) will soon know the name of the new technical commissioner who will succeed Gennaro Gattuso. The hypothesis of seeing Pep Guardiola on the bench of the national team is no longer just a suggestion or a joke: at Coverciano the idea is gaining momentum and there are those who are seriously considering it. These include Giovanni Malagò, a candidate for the presidency of the FIGC, who – in the event of an electoral victory over Giancarlo Abete – could really try to bring the Catalan coach to the Azzurro.
According to La Repubblica, the former Coni number one is betting on the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach to lead the rebirth of the national team. Guardiola, however, is still under contract with Manchester City until 2027. However, the difficulties remain enormous, starting with the salary: the coach earns about 24 million euros net per season, an unsustainable figure for the Federcalcio’s coffers.
The main alternative names on the table are Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte, with the former’s odds rising sharply in light of the current situation at AC Milan. Also according to the newspaper, Malagò has already heard from Paolo Maldini to offer him a top role in Club Italia. In addition, among his ideas are economic incentives for clubs that field more young Italians and a reform of payment mechanisms in the domestic soccer market, to be aligned with international standards to facilitate the return of made-in-Italy talent.
The topic of the new technical commissioner continues to inflame the debate, also involving several former champions. Beppe Bergomi was clear: “If we want to change, we really have to change. The names that are going strong right now are Spanish: Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Fabregas….” Of an opposite opinion is Gianni Rivera, who in an interview with AS cut it short: “Guardiola? No, please. He has to be Italian. Period.” Along the same lines José Mourinho, who indicated his ideal solution with the formula “combo M&M: Malagò and Max,” referring precisely to Massimiliano Allegri.
