Didier Deschamps does not rule out Italy job: 'Everyone knows I'm available' | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps, the France national team coach, unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

During the press conference, he was asked about reports linking him with the Italy job after the tournament, amid speculation over his future beyond the World Cup.

«Coach Italy? I am ruling nothing out. Everyone knows I am available. But, for now, I am focused on the World Cup. Perhaps we can talk about it again later. I need to start speaking Italian again, because you never know,» Deschamps said.

Deschamps has led the French national team since 2012, guiding them to the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he came close to another triumph, but Les Bleus ultimately lost on penalties in the final against Argentina.

It is worth remembering that, as a player, Deschamps represented Juventus for five consecutive seasons, from 1994/95 to 1998/99. Later, in 2006/07, he returned to the Italian club, this time as coach.

Italy are searching for a new head coach after Gattuso's departure, following their failure to qualify for the World Cup. The Azzurri have not taken part in football's biggest international tournament since 2014, at the Brazil World Cup.