Italy's coaching shortlist: Pioli, Motta, Palladino, Conte, and Mancini in the frame

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has drawn up a new list of candidates to take over the Azzurri bench, with five out-of-work managers under consideration. According to insider Nicolo Schira, the shortlist features Stefano Pioli, Thiago Motta, and Raffaele Palladino - put forward by technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo - while FIGC president Giovanni Malago is pushing for Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Pioli left Fiorentina in November 2025, Motta was most recently at Juventus until March last year, and Palladino departed Atalanta at the end of last season. Conte walked away from Napoli this summer, and Mancini recently terminated his contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd. All five are currently unemployed. Earlier, Andrea Pirlo had been the sole candidate for the job, but his potential appointment was blocked due to his links with a Russian bookmaker.