Thiago Motta One Of Several Candidates To Become Next Italy Manager As Gennaro Gattuso Faces Heavy Scrutiny
Gennaro Gattuso is facing heavy scrutiny after Italy's recent performances and Thiago Motta is among several options to become the next Azzurri manager.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 18 November 2025
Thiago Motta is one of the leading contenders to become the next Italy manager and replace Gennaro Gattuso as the former Juventus boss looks to make a huge return to the sidelines.
After a crushing 4-1 defeat by Norway, Gennaro Gattuso’s position as Italy manager has taken a considerable knock and the former AC Milan midfielder has some work to do ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Gattuso took the managerial reins in June 2025 following Luciano Spalletti’s departure and has gone on to win five of his opening six matches in charge.
The Azzurri finished second in Group I with 18-points, meaning Gattuso still has to take some extra steps to qualify for next year’s tournament and Italy will find out their World Cup 2026 playoff opponents on November 20th.
A managerial change is unlikely to take place before the playoffs commence, but Gattuso’s position will be in jeopardy if Italy are not in the United States next year – but who could replace the Gattuso as the next Italy manager?
Next Italy Manager Candidates
- Thiago Motta
- Vincenzo Italiano
- Roberto De Zerbi
- Alessandro Nesta
- Stefano Pioli
- Gareth Southgate
- Claudio Ranieri
- Fabio Grosso
- Mauricio Pochettino
- Roberto Mancini
- Antonio Conte
- Joachim Low
Thiago Motta Leading Contender For Azzurri Job
Thiago Motta has taken a break away from management since parting ways with Juventus in March 2025, but the Italian is now looking for a return to the sidelines.
After some impressive displays with Genoa, Spezia and Bologna, Motta earned one of the biggest jobs in Italian soccer in July 2025 by taking the reins in Turin.
However, his time with the Bianconeri failed to meet expectations, taking charge of 42 matches (18W, 16D & 8L) which saw Juve sit outside of the Champions League places.
The 36-time Serie A winners decided to relieve Motta of his duties, replacing the Italian with Igor Tudor, who was recently sacked by Juventus following a run of eight-matches without a win.
Motta is currently the leading contender to become the next Italy manager as the 43-year-old may prefer a switch to international management over club action.
Would Roberto De Zerbi Consider Italy Role?
An outside contender at +600, Roberto De Zerbi is an interesting option for the Azzurri as the Marseille manager continues to impress in Ligue 1.
The 46-year-old has been on an impressive run in Europe since taking the reins at Sassuolo in July 2018, going on to manage in the Premier League with Brighton and Champions League.
His spell in England saw De Zerbi become one of the brightest prospects in European soccer, as De Zerbi guided the Seagulls to the Europa League for the first time in history.
In July 2024, the Italian coach took his biggest job to date with Marseille and De Zerbi has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign – sitting second in Ligue 1.
The top-flight in France has been dominated by Paris Saint-Germain in recent years, as the Parisian side have won 11 of the last 13 league titles and boast some of the best players in Europe.
PSG have played host to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr in recent seasons and the Brazilian is now being linked with a move to Serie A.
Removing PSG from their throne will be De Zerbi’s main priority, but the 46-year-old is also an option for the Italian national team if Gattuso is made surplus to requirements.
Could Italy Appoint Gareth Southgate?
Gareth Southgate is arguably the most intriguing option for the Azzurri, as the Italian national team has never appointed a foreign coach – something the Brit has recently experienced.
The 55-year-old was relieved of his duties as manager of the English national team in July 2024, ending an eight-year spell with the Three Lions and Southgate was replaced by German coach, Thomas Tuchel.
During his time with England, Southgate guided his side to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and quarter-final in 2022, while also reaching consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
Failing to end England’s long wait for silverware brought an end to Southgate’s tenure, but the 55-year-old managed to reignite the relationship between the players and supporters.
Southgate is a huge outsider to become the next Italy boss, but the Azzurri could consider a major shift in management if they fail to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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