Silvio Baldini Expected to Lead Italy Temporarily After World Cup Disappointment

Following Italy's disappointing performance and early exit from the World Cup, a significant restructuring within the national football setup is underway. Gabriele Gravina's resignation has been officially accepted, and focus is now shifting to finding a temporary coach for the Azzurri until a permanent replacement for Gennaro Gattuso is eventually chosen.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) faces an immediate challenge: with two friendly matches approaching before the presidential election on June 22nd in Rome, the national team requires a coach. This interim appointment is necessary even before a new president is elected, let alone before a long-term technical commissioner (CT) can be identified and formally instated.

Reports from Sportmediaset, cited by CalcioMercato.it, suggest that the most probable interim solution is for Silvio Baldini, the current coach of the Under-21 national team, to temporarily take the helm.

For the time being, Baldini's temporary appointment seems to be the favored choice.

Italy's Potential Baldini Appointment Mirrors Past Interim Strategies

This situation is not without historical precedent.

Eight years ago, in 2018, after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup under manager Giampiero Ventura, the Under-21 coach at the time, Luigi Di Biagio, was appointed as interim manager for two friendly matches against Argentina and England. This arrangement preceded the permanent appointment of Roberto Mancini.

Baldini would effectively be stepping into a very similar temporary role now, eight years later.

The complete blueprint for the revitalization of Italian football will emerge in the coming weeks. The presidential election on June 22nd is poised to be a crucial event, influencing all subsequent decisions, including the selection of a long-term national team manager.