Italy considers Zola and Perrotta as options following Buffon's departure
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 1:15 PM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Italy is in search of a new head coach and a bridge between its youth and senior teams after Gianluigi Buffon declined to return to the national setup. Reports indicate that Buffon has rejected an offer for a more active role following his resignation after a recent defeat. Current priorities include appointing individuals to work alongside youth team coordinator Maurizio Viscidi. Gianfranco Zola, currently vice-President of Lega Pro, and Simone Perrotta, who is involved with the academy, are potential candidates being considered.
- •Buffon declined a return to Italy’s national team setup.
- •Italy is searching for a new head coach and youth team bridge.
- •Andrea Pirlo is rumored to be the frontrunner for head coach.
- •Zola and Perrotta are candidates for roles within the new structure.
- •Buffon resigned after Italy's World Cup play-off defeat in May.
- 1:15 PMYahoo Sports — Zola and Perrotta among Italy’s alternative options to Buffon
"Italy are still on the look-out for a new head coach and could also bring in a new figure to act as the bridge between the youth and senior sides after learning that Gianluigi Buffon will not be retur...
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