Italy next manager betting odds: Gattuso heavy favourite to replace Spalletti

In an unprecedented turn of events, Luciano Spalletti announced his own sacking from the Italy national team on Sunday night. 

Having lost three of the previous four games, including a 3-0 World Cup qualifier to Norway, the 66-year-old revealed that the following day’s meeting with Moldova would represent his final outing in charge of Gli Azzurri.

As concerns of a possible third successive World Cup qualification failure hover, the Italian Football Federation must now search for a new dressing room leader. With Claudio Ranieri out of the race, UK bookmakers expect an infamously hot-headed former midfielder to take the reins…

Gennaro Gattuso – 1/4 (bet365)

Renowned for unmitigated passion, Gennaro Gattuso stands as bet365’s favourite (1/4) to replace Spalletti as the next head coach of Italy. 

Now 47 years old, Gattuso has overseen operations at nine different clubs throughout his 12-year managerial career – including stints with Marseille, Valencia, AC Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina. 

Never one for patience, the ex-midfielder has yet to remain at one club for three or more years and left Hajduk  Split in early June after a year in charge.

At 1/4 to take his national team’s head post, he appears the likely choice to guide Italy towards the 2026 World Cup. 

Daniele De Rossi – 13/2 (BetMGM)

Another ex-Italian footballing stalwart, Daniele De Rossi enjoyed a tremendous career at the heart of his national team. 

The 41-year-old served his country for 14 years – with a 2006 World Cup triumph his peak achievement. 

At 13/2, BetMGM place De Rossi as the second favourite to become the next Italy manager.

Fabio Cannavaro – 9/1 (BetMGM)

Fabio Cannavaro led Italy to a momentous World Cup Final victory over France in 2006 – with famous images of the former centre-back holding the trophy still shared today. 

Since retiring from professional football, Cannavaro has ventured to China, Saudi Arabia and more recently, Croatia, during an 11-year coaching career. 

He departed Dinamo Zagreb in April, presenting a clear pathway to join Italy in a managerial capacity. This pick comes in at 9/1 with BetMGM.

Stefano Pioli – 10/1 (Unibet)

If anyone is familiar with Italy’s domestic coaching industry, it’s Stefano Pioli. 

Beginning with Salernitana in 2003, the current Al-Nassr head coach went on to manage 12 separate Italian clubs. It was not until September 2024 that the 59-year-old accepted a role located outside of his homeland. 

Evidently fond of working at the helm of Italian football – Pioli is priced at 10/1 with Unibet to return as his country’s main man. 

With one solid year away under his belt, could a journey back home be on the cards?

Roberto Mancini – 16/1 (bet365)

Former Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini, oversaw Italy’s recent successes as well as the dawn of the nation’s footballing demise. 

Euro 2020 hallmarked the most impressive elements associated with Mancini’s style of play – as, under his leadership, the national team won Europe’s major international tournament for the first time in over five decades. 

However, disappointing results thereafter culminated in the 60-year-old’s 2023 resignation. 

He may want to restore a damaged bond ahead of the 2026 World Cup – and bet365’s 16/1 suggests a rekindling of this relationship is possible.