Italian Coaching Prowess on Display at European Championship

Five Italian coaches are leading national teams at the European Championship in Germany, topping the previous record of three coaches from the Netherlands at Euro 2008.

Italy continues its tradition of producing top-notch coaches, as five Italians are leading national teams at the European Championship in Germany. Luciano Spalletti, Vincenzo Montella, Domenico Tedesco, Marco Rossi, and Francesco Calzona represent Italy's coaching prowess at the tournament, marking an impressive achievement for the country.

With five coaches out of the 24 teams in Germany, Italy surpasses the Netherlands' mark of three coaches at Euro 2008. All but Tedesco have studied at the Italian federation's coaching school, showcasing the high standards and effectiveness of the institution.

Italian Coaching Prowess on Display at European Championship

The Italian coaching school, directed by former coach Renzo Ulivieri, emphasizes tactical knowledge and apprenticeship within the Italian leagues. Ulivieri expressed pride in the achievements of his students, highlighting their excellence in analyzing and managing the complexities of the game.

Italy's coaching success extends beyond the national teams, as evidenced by Carlo Ancelotti's fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid and Gian Piero Gasperini's Europa League triumph with Atalanta. Only Vincenzo Italiano's Fiorentina fell short in the Europa Conference League final, narrowly losing to Olympiakos.

Ulivieri attributes Italy's managerial success to their adaptability and resourcefulness, drawing inspiration from the Neapolitan art of making the best of challenging situations.

Among the Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Luciano Spalletti is the most renowned. He attended the Italian federation's coaching school in 1998-99, graduating with the highest possible grade. His thesis, "The 3-5-2 Playing System," reflects his tactical acumen.

Spalletti's attacking style and flair have reinvigorated the Italian national team, but their title defense has been hampered by a stuttering start. After a narrow victory over Albania, Italy was outclassed by Spain in their second match.

Vincenzo Montella, another standout student from the coaching school, is in charge of Turkey's national team. He brings extensive experience from coaching clubs in Italy and Spain, including AC Milan and Sevilla. Turkey won its opening match against Georgia but faces a tougher challenge against Portugal.

Francesco Calzona, despite being a first-time head coach, has an impressive apprenticeship. As assistant coach to Maurizio Sarri at Napoli and part of Spalletti's staff, he played a crucial role in Napoli's Serie A title victory. Calzona's guidance helped Slovakia upset Belgium in their Euro 2024 opener.

Marco Rossi's journey to the Hungary national team coach is equally remarkable. After years in the lower leagues and a period of unemployment, he considered joining his brother's accountancy firm. However, a chance meeting led him to coach Honved in Hungary, where he won the league title and earned the Hungary coaching role in 2018.

Domenico Tedesco, the youngest of the Italian coaches, is the only one not to have studied at the Italian federation's coaching school. Born in Italy but raised in Germany, he obtained his coaching license in Germany and excelled in the same class as current Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. Tedesco's success with Schalke, Spartak Moscow, and Leipzig has earned him the Belgium coaching job.

Italy's coaching prowess on display at the European Championship is a testament to the country's commitment to developing managerial talent. With five Italians at the helm of national teams, Italy continues to set the standard for coaching excellence in Europe.