Report Buffon didn’t want Mourinho as Italy coach | OneFootball

According to La Repubblica, José Mourinho was a genuine candidate to become the new Italy coach, with the Azzurri’s technical sponsor ready to cover part of his salary, but Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon opposed his appointment.

Fenerbahce boss, Mourinho, was a genuine candidate to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach, according to La Repubblica.

The report claims that Italy and Mourinho’s sponsor, Adidas, were open to covering part of the Special One’s salary.

The FIGC, however, faced two significant obstacles.

Repubblica: Buffon didn’t want Mourinho as Italy coach

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: (L-R) Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy and Gianluigi Buffon during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

First of all, Fenerbahçe reportedly refused to release their coach without a transfer fee, and then Italy’s Delegation Chief, Gigi Buffon, disagreed with the possible appointment of the former Roma and Inter coach.

According to the report, the Azzurri legend is convinced Italy needed a different figure and an absolute Italy legend to replace Spalletti and boost Italy’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

What Buffon said about Gattuso appointment as Italy coach

Marseille head coach Gennaro Gattuso looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League Group B first leg football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stade Velodrome, in Marseille on October 5, 2023. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Sources from previous days claimed Buffon had threatened to resign if Italy had brought back Roberto Mancini.

The former goalkeeper, however, clarified at Gattuso’s unveiling press conference on Thursday: “My contract ends on June 30 every year, so resignations were never an issue. We chose Rino in consultation with the President and the other professionals we spoke to. I don’t think there are good or bad coaches at this level, but rather coaches who are functional to what the team needs. It was a good moment for Rino to become the national team coach.

“These are responsibilities that one tasks. Time will tell if it’s right or not. If the decision was not right, you take a step back.”