Paolo Maldini is in active negotiations with Thiago Motta to become the new Italy head coach, with the former midfielder emerging as the Italian Football Federation’s preferred candidate after Andrea Pirlo was ruled out.
The FIGC technical director has shifted his focus to the Italian-Brazilian coach as the search for the next Azzurri manager continues, following rejections from both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
Pirlo had been strongly considered for the role, but his candidacy effectively ended amid controversy surrounding his position as an ambassador for a brand linked to a Russian betting website. That development forced the federation to reassess its shortlist and accelerate talks with alternative options.
Motta emerges from crowded field
In recent weeks, several high-profile names have been discussed for the job, including Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Raffaele Palladino and Stefano Pioli, as well as former Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli.
However, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the focus has now “decisively” turned towards Motta, with the paper reporting that discussions between Maldini and the 43-year-old are under way.
Motta is seen as a candidate capable of reconciling multiple demands within Italian football’s hierarchy. He is viewed as someone who can deliver the new and different footballing approach sought by Maldini and Leonardo, while also satisfying FIGC president Giovanni Malago’s insistence on appointing a figure with more experience than Pirlo.
International pedigree and Serie A impact
Motta, who turns 44 next month, has already represented Italy at international level as a player. He first arrived in Serie A with Genoa in 2008, impressing sufficiently to earn a move to Inter Milan, before joining Paris Saint-Germain in January 2012.
His coaching career has produced mixed results, with spells at Genoa and Spezia showing both promise and inconsistency. It was at Bologna, though, that he firmly established his reputation, leaving a clear mark over two seasons in charge.
During his time with Bologna, Motta guided the club to qualification for the UEFA Champions League, a landmark achievement that significantly enhanced his standing within Italian football and attracted interest from major clubs.
Short-lived Juventus tenure
On the back of that success, Motta left Bologna in the summer of 2024 to take over at Juventus, a move seen as a major step in his managerial career.
His time in Turin, however, proved relatively brief. Motta was dismissed in March 2025 after overseeing a record of 18 wins, 16 draws and eight defeats in all competitions.
Despite that early departure, his work at Bologna and his reputation for implementing a modern, progressive style of play have kept him in contention for top-level positions and have now put him at the centre of Italy’s search for a new head coach.
With negotiations ongoing, the FIGC has yet to make a formal announcement, but Motta has clearly moved to the forefront of the race to succeed the previous Azzurri management.
