Credit: Imago/UEFA

Scott Mason

Thu 2 April 2026 21:10, UK

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto will pay close attention to the fallout from Italy’s World Cup failure, as Roberto Mancini has been named as a potential successor to Gennaro Gattuso.

Gnonto has not been part of the Italy camp since 2023 and has most recently found his gametime at Elland Road limited.

Daniel Farke has preferred multiple players over the Italian this season, with just four Premier League starts for the 22-year-old.

His fall in the pecking order has ultimately affected his chances within the Italy setup, but that may be about to change.

While speculation surges about Gnonto’s future at Leeds, his future with Italy may have a positive omen.

Why Wilfried Gnonto will want Roberto Mancini to return to Italy

Gnonto will have been disappointed that Italy failed to reach the World Cup, even if his hopes of making the squad were close to nil.

The Leeds forward, however, could have a hope of future call-ups based on the reports from his home country.

According to Tuttosport, the departure of president Gabriele Gravina could open the door for Roberto Mancini to have a second stint with the Italian national team.

For Gnonto, he will be delighted with the news, with Mancini publicly making it known he was a fan of the Leeds forward’s qualities during his first spell.

Back in March 2023, with Gnonto performing well for the Whites, the former Manchester City manager asked: “Why hasn’t anyone signed Gnonto in Italy?”

Since the departure of Mancini from the Italian national team in August 2023, Gnonto has received only two caps and has not started a game for Italy in that period.

Now, the 22-year-old could have hope that another call-up for his nation is around the corner.

Wilfried Gnonto may have to leave Leeds to reclaim international role

Under Farke, Gnonto’s minutes have drastically fallen this season, and even if Mancini is a big fan of the player, he would be reluctant to call on someone with a lack of gametime.

If Mancini does return, Gnonto may see it as a way to revive both his club and international career, and doing so away from Leeds may be best.

Leeds have been linked with Southampton’s Leo Scienza as a wide option, which could facilitate a transfer for the Italian.

However, Scienza does not pose much of an upgrade on Gnonto.

Time will tell what happens at both Leeds and the Italian national team, but the 22-year-old could be in line for quite a summer of change.