According to Sportmediaset, Oriali is close to returning to the Italian national team as team manager.

With the USA, Mexico, and Canada competing in the World Cup, Italy watches from the sidelines and plans its restart. Newly appointed Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò is overseeing this task. He has recently been trying to convince Paolo Maldini to take on the role of technical director, with Ranieri, Costacurta, Albertini, and Boniek as alternative candidates. He must also select a new coach to lead the Azzurri back to the World Cup after a 16-year absence.

The race for Italy's coaching position appears to be between Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. Interim coach Silvio Baldini saw his approval ratings plummet ahead of two friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece, with Simone Inzaghi also trailing far behind. Mancini was the top favorite days ago, but several Serie A clubs have since pushed for Conte's return, further complicating matters. Malagò is still deliberating, mindful of the limited budget and the technical director appointment, which could influence the final decision.

However, one position appears close to being settled: team manager. Barring surprises, it will be filled by the familiar Lele Oriali. The 1982 World Cup winner has worked closely with both Conte and Mancini in recent weeks. He spent six years with Conte across the national team, Inter, and Napoli, winning two Serie A titles; he also worked under Mancini for nine years, winning three Serie A titles and the 2021 European Championship.

Regardless of who becomes the new coach, Oriali has expressed his willingness to return to the Azzurri. Before the technical director and coach are announced, Oriali is the closest thing to certainty for Italy. The national team will begin its rebuilding with him. While time is limited, it is not too late, as the national team returns to action in September. The Azzurri's future awaits, and the final choices must be made.

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