Ignazio La Russa backs José Mourinho for Italy job after 2026 exit | OneFootball

Italian Senate president Ignazio La Russa wants Benfica head coach José Mourinho to take charge of the Azzurri, amid the fallout from Italy’s 2026 World Cup elimination to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

According to Glorioso 1904, La Russa highlighted Brazil’s choice of Carlo Ancelotti as a foreign head coach and questioned why Italy could not turn to Mourinho.

He also criticised the federation’s management, citing errors and structural problems he believes have undermined the national team.

La Russa argued that an experienced figure able to impose discipline and winning strategies could halt the recent decline. Mourinho has long-standing ties to Italian football, having led Inter Milan and Roma.

He won six trophies with Inter, including the Champions League, and later lifted the Europa Conference League with Roma. Gennaro Gattuso has since left the Italy job by mutual agreement after the failed bid to reach 2026.

Source: Glorioso 1904