Following the Italian national football team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a painful penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, debate has intensified within sports and political circles about the future of Italian football, amid public frustration and sharp criticism of the federation's performance.

In a notable development, Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Italian Senate, made strong statements calling for the hiring of a top foreign coach, saying: "If Brazil can hire a coach like Carlo Ancelotti, why can't we hire José Mourinho?" This was a reference to the need to think outside the box to save the national team.

La Russa's statements included clear criticisms of the Italian federation, pointing out the presence of "accumulated errors and problems" that contributed to this significant failure. He emphasized that the current phase requires bold decisions and a comprehensive restructuring to restore the team to its rightful place among the world's elite.

Mourinho is considered an attractive option given his extensive experience in Italian football, having previously led Inter Milan to historic achievements, most notably the UEFA Champions League, and also led Roma to win a European title. This makes him a strong contender in the ongoing discussion about the future of the Azzurri.