Malagò's Italy plan: Allegri as coach with Ranieri in technical role
Giovanni Malagò, if elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), would appoint Massimiliano Allegri as the new head coach of the Italian national team, according to reports in the Italian press. The plan, as detailed by sources close to the former CONI president, would also see Claudio Ranieri take on a role as technical director, coordinating between the senior side and the various youth national teams. This structured project is designed to look beyond the next two years leading to the European Championship and Nations League, with the primary target being a successful return to the World Cup stage, a competition Italy has missed for three consecutive editions.
The emergence of this alleged plan has reportedly cooled the prospects of Antonio Conte, who had been considered the frontrunner. Sources suggest financial considerations are a factor, as Conte would have to accept a significantly lower salary with the national team than the one he currently earns at Napoli. Allegri, meanwhile, is preoccupied with AC Milan's faltering form and uncertain Champions League qualification but is said to be waiting to understand the direction of the managerial market. His current contract with Milan runs until 2028, with an automatic extension clause triggered by achieving certain objectives.
Ranieri's potential involvement is framed as settling a debt with the national team, as he was reportedly the first choice of former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to succeed Roberto Mancini before Luciano Spalletti was appointed. The veteran manager recently stated he would be willing to leave his current club, Roma, if his alignment with the Friedkin ownership faded, suggesting a potential availability. The report indicates that neither Milan nor Napoli would likely stand in the way of their managers taking the national team job, given existing internal complexities at both clubs.
Other experienced names remain in consideration for the role, which will become vacant after Spalletti's departure following Euro 2024. Roberto Mancini, Italy's most recent trophy-winning coach, could be released from his contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd, but his past departure from the FIGC is seen as a complicating factor. Simone Inzaghi, currently at Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, has also been linked. While he has publicly referenced his existing contract, it is believed he would be open to a return to Italy. A key advantage for Inzaghi is his mastery of the 3-5-2 formation, widely used in Serie A, and his proven pedigree in knockout competitions, having led Inter Milan to two Champions League finals. Any appointment would require a substantial cut in salary compared to club football, a common hurdle for the FIGC.
