Roberto Mancini’s shock departure from Italy came at the end of a worn-out relationship and an internal rift – but who is best placed for the job now?

After internal disagreements and disappointments on the international scene, Roberto Mancini is no longer in charge of a stuttering Italy.

News confirmed over the weekend lifted the lid on a worn-out relationship, a stark contrast to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, and marked the end of his five-year spell.

His departure had quietly rumbled in the background in recent weeks, although his appointment as coordinator of Azzurri’s youth teams suggested that he had not communicated his shocked decision to anyone beforehand.

It is believed that the latest re-styling of the team’s coaching staff was poorly received by Mancini, who saw his managerial leadership skills effectively collapse.

“The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini as coach of the Italian national team, received late last night,” the brief statement from the FIGC read.

But what are the reasons behind the explosive development?

Well, it is believed that Mancini lost empathy with some of the national team’s management and did not support some choices in his staff composition.

Initially, he had been given a long-term contract with the national team, with the ultimate goal of leading Italy to the 2026 World Cup after Euro 2024 in Germany.

But after his resignation, the FIGC will be forced to find a replacement. Currently, the most likely candidate is Antonio Conte, who remains unemployed.

Communication on a final decision is expected in the coming days as the numbers look for the coach with the best profile to adopt a squad strongly shaped by Mancini.

But with the European Championship qualifiers against Macedonia and Ukraine coming up next month, it is a race against time for Italy to make an appointment.

So who are the potential contenders?

ANTONIO CONTE

The favorite among supporters, players and, crucially, the FIGC.

He would be a strong and optimistic candidate in a difficult period for a team with no superstar names and a large number of youngsters to develop.

Conte is able to choose his next step, but a return to the hot seat in Italy could tempt him. After all, it would allow him to continue his dream of winning again at the helm of the national team, a prospect he might be proud of.

Moreover, he would rather stay in Italy and work closer to his family.

GENNARO GATTUSO

The preferred candidate if Conte cannot be convinced to step in is hired.

However, his recent experiences at Napoli and Valencia have been negative and could be a significant disadvantage for the former Azzurri hardman.

Nevertheless, he would charge a relatively low salary and would probably not have to negotiate his fee, leaving the FIGC with complete financial freedom.

Gattuso notoriously won the World Cup in 2006 and is a valued motivator.

FABIO CANNAVARO

Cannavaro, the most iconic figure in Italy’s recent history, was warmly nicknamed ‘Kannavaro’ after winning the World Cup almost two decades ago.

He knows every aspect of the national team and enjoys the trust of Marcello Lippi, an important point of reference for the FIGC in times of change.

Perhaps most importantly, Cannavaro may be tempted to leave club management after chastising experiences in China and Italy and think bigger.

LUCIANO SPALLETTI

Widely regarded as the best Italian coach of the moment.

Using his bright ideas and communication skills, he secured the Serie A title with Napoli, ending their 30-year drought, and remains available for work.

Given the clamor of Mancini’s farewell, perhaps it’s just his name and Conte’s that would spark the excitement around the Azzurri.

However, if he is over 60, he could turn down the job, but he may never get the holy chance again for the rest of his career.