THE CONTENDERS TO REPLACE GIAN PIERO VENTURA:
* CARLO ANCELOTTI
The former Chelsea boss is his most likely successor having been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September. The ex-Italy midfielder has managed some of Europe's biggest clubs over the past two decades - winning three Champions League titles as a manager and two as a player - and was even inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
* ANTONIO CONTE
The current Chelsea boss has often cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines, and he has spoken of his desire to one day return to Italy. Having managed his country before, between 2014 and 2016, the likelihood of Conte returning as Azzurri boss now is slim, but the 48-year-old would be a popular choice with fans.
* MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
An outside bet would be an attempt for the Italian Football Federation to lure Allegri away from Juventus. The 50-year-old has steered Juve to three consecutive domestic doubles since joining the Bianconeri the day after Conte's resignation in 2014. He has also guided the Turin side to two Champions League finals in three years, losing to Barcelona in 2015 and Real Madrid in May.
* ROBERTO MANCINI
Mancini is a contender with great pedigree on and off the pitch, with five Serie A titles to his name in total. The former Manchester City boss has been in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg of late, after an unsuccessful second spell as Inter Milan manager ended in the summer of 2016.
