Italy is actively seeking a new head coach and may also appoint someone to serve as a liaison between the youth and senior teams following Gianluigi Buffon’s decision not to return to the national squad.
Italy Seeks New Liaison for Youth Team Setup After Buffon Declines Offer
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo continue their efforts to find a new head coach for the Italy national team after confirming that neither Pep Guardiola nor Carlo Ancelotti will take on the position. Reports from Friday indicate that Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the top candidate for the vacant role.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport also reported on Friday that Buffon has rejected the opportunity to return to the Italy set-up.
Buffon joined the national team shortly after his retirement in 2023, serving as delegation chief until Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2026. He subsequently resigned along with Gennaro Gattuso and former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Under the new leadership of Maldini and Giovanni Malagò, Buffon was offered a more hands-on role within the Club Italia set-up, but ultimately declined the opportunity.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy attends before the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Reports from Corriere dello Sport suggest that the FIGC may also look to make additional appointments, alongside the new head coach.
With Buffon confirming he will not return, the immediate focus is on finding a candidate to collaborate with youth team coordinator Maurizio Viscidi, thereby strengthening the connection between the junior and senior squads.
According to Friday’s report, Gianfranco Zola, who currently serves as vice-President of the Lega Pro, is under consideration, along with Simone Perrotta, who is already involved in the academy setup.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Gianfranco Zola is seen prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 2023, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Additional names mentioned in various reports include Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti, and Gianluca Zambrotta, although their candidacies remain speculative at this stage.