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Spalletti the leading candidate for Italy job
Leaks emerging from the FIGC reportedly suggest that Luciano Spalletti is considered the primary target to replace Roberto Mancini as the head coach of the Italian national team.
The 58-year-old Mancini unexpectedly resigned from his post on Saturday night, thrusting the Italian FA into chaos just 10 months ahead of Euro 2024, which the Azzurri are still working to qualify for.
Many names have emerged as possible candidates for the role, ranging from Antonio Conte to Gennaro Gattuso, but one in particular has proved particularly exciting for both the fans and the FIGC.
Page two of today’s Corriere dello Sport details how FIGC president Gabriele Gravina’s preferred candidate is Spalletti and he is expected to join the former Napoli coach in Forte dei Marmi in the coming days to present the Azzurri project.
One issue is his exit clause with Napoli; the coach stepped away from his post in the Campania capital a year early this summer and has a €3m termination clause in his contract.
Mancini earnt €4.5m net per year with the national team and the same amount could be offered to Spalletti, who would be handed a three-year contract.
The former Napoli coach would seemingly be open to the move. Back in June, when discussing his future, he alluded to a possible role in the national team, saying: “Coaching a national team now would be very stimulating.
“From a professional point of view, it allows you to take a break every now and then, to go out and come back to work, to do the perfect speeches and wonderful training sessions. It would definitely be a nice solution.”
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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