OPINION: Allegri, Not Conte, is the Ideal Choice to Succeed Gattuso as Italy’s National Team Manager

Following the Azzurri’s disheartening failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, speculation mounts regarding the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. This has prompted discussions throughout Italian football about necessary changes, from increasing the number of Italian players on the pitch to implementing comprehensive reforms starting with youth academies.

This transformation will be a lengthy and challenging journey, and whether it is the correct path will only become evident over the coming years.

In the interim, it seems essential to identify Gattuso’s successor, as the Calabrian coach—likely the least culpable for this recent setback—appears ready to step aside to facilitate a fresh start for the team.

A mix of established and fresh faces are being considered for the role, with a consensus on the need for a candidate possessing a proven track record. This is particularly important during this transitional period juxtapositing a troubled past and an uncertain future.

The Contenders

Among the prominent names in discussions, there is Roberto Mancini—who previously led the Azzurri to glory in the 2020 European Championship but fell short of World Cup qualification in 2022 and subsequently departed for Saudi Arabia in a controversial move. This mixed bag of achievements makes him a polarising figure among fans and the football establishment.

Then there’s Antonio Conte, another heavyweight in Italian football. His stint with the national team from 2014 to 2016 saw him guide Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, despite not having the highest calibre of players at his disposal. He is known for instilling a battle-ready mentality in his teams, having enjoyed considerable success at the club level with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli.

The third name in the mix is Massimiliano Allegri, another renowned figure in Italian coaching circles, noted for his successful stints with AC Milan and Juventus.

Why Allegri Stands Out

In my opinion, Allegri is the strongest candidate for the national team role for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, he has never occupied the national team post before, which eliminates the risk of déjà vu; it’s a refreshing choice that could offer much-needed new perspectives. Additionally, the current AC Milan boss possesses a coaching style that is straightforward and does not rely heavily on complex strategies, which is less overwhelming for players who may only have sporadic training sessions together.

Unlike other candidates who may struggle to integrate their systems with players of varying football backgrounds, Allegri’s approach is straightforward—he favours a ‘simple’ brand of football. This simplicity is advantageous for players who convene for limited training sessions, addressing one of the challenges that impacted Luciano Spalletti’s tenure.

The role of the national team coach differs considerably from that of a club manager. The focus should be on selecting the right players, deploying them tactically, fostering teamwork, and attaining significant outcomes—all areas where Allegri excels.

He is renowned for his adept management of the dressing room and prioritises the end result, often extracting the best from his team while ensuring a competitive edge. Although he may experience setbacks in big matches, these are often against elite teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, which mitigates the disappointment.

While Allegri’s playing style might not be flashy, this is of little consequence in the national team context. Expecting a coach like Pep Guardiola to transform Italy’s gameplay into something akin to his Barcelona or Manchester City teams is unrealistic, as it demands player capabilities we currently lack. The key is to identify a coach capable of maximising potential with the resources at hand.

Why Allegri Over Conte

I favour Allegri over Conte not only because they are both results-driven but because Conte tends to shine in league settings, knowing when to apply pressure and when to allow for recovery. In cup competitions, however, he has historically exhibited weaknesses in navigating high-stakes matches, both mentally and tactically.

Allegri, in contrast, brings a different mindset to knockout scenarios. While he is proficient in season management, he excels at energising his team for critical matches and executing a shrewd, pragmatic game plan that may not always be visually appealing but tends to secure results—which often delights his supporters.

Moreover, the two coaches diverge in their communication styles, with Allegri’s institutional demeanor apt for national representation, including adept crisis management off the pitch.

However, one significant hurdle remains: Allegri is under contract with AC Milan until June 2027, with an option for an additional year. This means that pursuing him would require considerable time and diplomatic finesse on Italy’s part.