Minister for Sport Abodi won’t ‘interfere’ with choice of new Italy coach | OneFootball

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists he does not want to ‘interfere’ with the process of choosing a new Italy coach after the talks with Pep Guardiola.

The situation is up in the air, as the Nazionale remains without a tactician following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso, and two games with Under-21 boss Silvio Baldini.

CESENA, ITALY – MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

New technical director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo flew to Barcelona for a series of meetings with Guardiola over the weekend to ask about his availability.

Abodi awaits new Italy coach decision

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“Whoever it is, we must stay close to him and support the project that will be elaborated along with Maldini, Leonardo, and the FIGC President,” Minister for Sport Abodi told Sky Sport Italia.

“The choice will still be the coach of the Nazionale, and therefore the best possible option. You must love the Azzurri jersey and this is not the time to question it.”

There is reportedly a short-list along with Guardiola of Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, so are there are any names that convince Abodi more than others?

“There is always someone, but that’s not the issue here, because it’s only right that those whose job it is to choose be allowed to make that decision. Whoever is chosen, he will be the coach of my team.

“I don’t want to interfere in the reflections that are being made this week.”

Italy failed to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup, and are looking to completely revamp the hierarchy with a new FIGC President in the form of Giovanni Malagò, the new role of technical director for Maldini, and special advisor Leonardo.