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

Another intriguing name has emerged to become the new Italy coach, as Raffaele Palladino is without a job after experiences with Fiorentina and Atalanta.

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at New Balance Arena on December 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Nazionale is seeking a tactician, with the task given to technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo to choose the heir to Gennaro Gattuso.

Andrea Pirlo has been mentioned as a strong candidate, along with the potential returns of Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte.

Palladino next name on Italy list

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia semifinal match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, Tuttosport now point towards another new name, believing Palladino has a chance of becoming Italy coach.

The 42-year-old is one of the many coaches who developed under the shadow of Gian Piero Gasperini and adopted many of his techniques.

Palladino started his coaching career at Monza in 2022, moving on to one season at Fiorentina in 2024-25, taking them to the Conference League semi-finals.

Last term, he took over from Ivan Juric for Atalanta in November 2025, steering them out of the danger zone to secure Conference League qualification and a Coppa Italia semi-final spot.

He walked away from Atalanta due to a dispute over their future strategy.