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Andrea Pirlo has unexpectedly emerged as a strong candidate to become the next manager of the Italy national team. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are reportedly pushing for the appointment of the World Cup winner, adding a new dimension to a managerial race that already includes high-profile names like Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

Italy have turned back to a familiar face to rescue the national team from its deepest crisis in decades. Antonio Conte is set to return to the Azzurri dugout with a mandate to restore pride and ensure the four-time world champions finally return to the global stage.

Roberto Mancini is officially a free agent, and his return to the Italian national team has never been closer. The manager, who made history with Manchester City by winning the Premier League, has announced his departure from the Qatari club, paving the way for a new chapter in his career.