The new head of the Italian football federation, Giovanni Malagò, has not ruled out appointing a foreign national team coach for the first time.
Asked in an interview with newspaper La Repubblica on Tuesday about a coach for the men's team from abroad, the 67-year-old said: "Never say never."
The experienced sports official was elected as the new federation president on Monday at a general assembly.
His mission is to get Italian football back on track and missing three straight men's World Cups.
After Italy once again failed to reach the World Cup when losing a play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, numerous officials stepped aside - federation president Gabriele Gravina, national coach Gennaro Gattuso and team co-ordinator Gianluigi Buffon.
According to Italian media reports, a familiar face is considered a strong contender for the coaching job and he is Italian.
Roberto Mancini was Italy coach from 2018 to 2023 and won the Euros.
Asked about him, Malagò told La Repubblica: "I have not spoken to Roberto."
