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José Mourinho was seriously considered as Italy's new manager, but the appointment was vetoed by Gianluigi Buffon, the former goalkeeper and current head of the Italian national team delegation.
The Portuguese coach, currently at Fenerbahçe, was seen as a possible successor to Luciano Spalletti after Claudio Ranieri declined the Italian Football Federation's offer.
However, the consideration was brief and, notably, initiated by Adidas, the Azzurri's primary sponsor, rather than the Federation itself.
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Buffon denies Mourinho's Italy job
La Repubblica reports, via Abola, that Adidas executives viewed Mourinho as a guarantee of results, making him a beneficial choice for both parties.
His appointment would improve Italy's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament the four-time champions have missed since 2014.
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This would also benefit Italy financially, as missing the World Cup would lead to reduced payments. To secure Mourinho, the German sportswear giant was reportedly willing to cover part of the "Special One's" financial demands.
However, Gianluigi Buffon, who holds a role similar to a sporting director, argued for an Italian figurehead to revitalise the national team.
Despite winning Euro 2020, Italy has struggled in World Cups since their 2006 triumph in Germany, failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2010 and 2014, and missing the 2018 and 2022 tournaments altogether.
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Buffon's opposition wasn't the only obstacle. Fenerbahçe would have made negotiations difficult, demanding a significant fee from the Italian Federation for Mourinho's release.
Consequently, Gennaro Gattuso, a fellow 2006 World Cup winner alongside Buffon, was appointed as Spalletti's successor.
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