Palladino potential new Italy coach, with Pirlo and Mancini other options | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino has emerged as a potential candidate to take charge of Italy, with technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo leading the search to replace Gennaro Gattuso.

Tuttosport reports that Palladino is under consideration, alongside strong candidate Andrea Pirlo, with possible returns for Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte also floated.

The 42-year-old is part of the coaching lineage influenced by Gian Piero Gasperini and has adopted many of his methods.

Palladino began his senior coaching career at Monza in 2022, then spent one season at Fiorentina in 2024-25, guiding them to the Conference League semi-finals.

Last term he succeeded Ivan Juric at Atalanta in November 2025. He lifted the side clear of danger to clinch Conference League qualification and reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, before departing after a dispute over future strategy.

Source: Football Italia