By Our Reporter
Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as head coach of Italy’s national football team, returning for a second stint with the Azzurri as he attempts to restore the country’s fortunes following a prolonged World Cup drought.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with federation president Giovanni Malagò announcing that Mancini will officially be unveiled alongside newly appointed technical director Claudio Ranieri at a press conference on Wednesday.
Ranieri replaces Roberto Maldini, who reportedly stepped down after threatening to resign if Mancini was brought back to lead the national team.
Malagò said the federation carefully considered its options before deciding to return to the 61-year-old coach.
“I believed Roberto Mancini was the right person to lead the Italian national team again, and I take full responsibility for that decision,” he said.
Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned after Italy’s World Cup qualifying play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.
The veteran manager previously coached Italy between 2018 and 2023, guiding the team to victory at Euro 2020 and overseeing a record 37-match unbeaten run.
He was chosen ahead of former Italy coach Antonio Conte, while former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who had also been linked with the job, withdrew from consideration following criticism over his association with a Russian sports betting company and concerns about his coaching experience.
Despite his previous success, Mancini’s return has divided opinion. His unexpected resignation in 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia left many officials disappointed, particularly as Italy was battling to qualify for Euro 2024.
After leaving the Saudi national team just over a year later, Mancini took charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, where he signed a two-year contract last November.
Now back in charge of the Azzurri, Mancini faces the challenge of ending Italy’s World Cup struggles. The four-time world champions have failed to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups and have not reached the tournament’s knockout stage since lifting the trophy in 2006.
The Euro 2020 triumph remains Italy’s only major international success in the past two decades, while their title defence at Euro 2024 ended with a round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland under Luciano Spalletti.
Mancini also enjoyed a successful club career, winning three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan and leading Manchester City to the Premier League title in the dramatic 2011-12 season.