Di Biagio takes over for gutted Italy side

ROME— Italy under-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio was promoted to take over the senior national team on a caretaker basis on Monday for friendlies against Argentina and England next month.

The Azzurri have been without a coach since November, when Gian Piero Ventura was fired following a playoff loss to Sweden that ruled Italy out of the World Cup for the first time in six decades.

“Di Biagio’s first job is to restore enthusiasm and dedication,” said Roberto Fabbricini, who was appointed last week as the Italian football federation’s emergency commissioner.

“We’re confident he’ll be up to the job.”

Italy plays Argentina in Manchester, England, on March 23 then England in London four days later.

The Azzurri’s next competitive game isn’t until Sept. 7 against Poland in the UEFA Nations League.

“It’s a big opportunity,” said Di Biagio, 46, who played for Italy in two World Cups. “I can’t wait to start. We’ve got two big, difficult matches.

“Fortunately I know well 80 per cent of the kids who are part of the national team, and I even had the chance to play with some of them.”

Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti and former Italy coach Antonio Conte are among those being considered for the full-time job.

On Monday, Fabbricini also mentioned current Nantes manager Claudio Ranieri as a possibility.

“Ranieri is no less appealing than Mancini. He’s got the credentials,” Fabbricini said. “But we need to be attentive from a procedural point of view. Many of these coaches are currently under contract. Either they free themselves up or it will be difficult to ask them to consider the job.”