The Journey to Roberto Mancini’s Return as Italy Head Coach
Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy’s head coach for a second spell after a dramatic few days that saw Andrea Pirlo withdraw from the race and technical director Paolo Maldini resign.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, just one day after Pirlo ruled himself out because of controversy surrounding his links to a Russian betting company.
FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Mancini was always his preferred choice.
“I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini,” Malago said.
Mancini takes over from Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third straight FIFA World Cup. Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini had been in temporary charge.
The appointment comes during a period of major changes within the national team. Paolo Maldini, who had been named technical director only two weeks earlier, resigned after the decision not to appoint Pirlo. Adviser Leonardo also stepped down, while Claudio Ranieri has been named as the new technical director.
Mancini is no stranger to the Italy job. He first took charge in 2018 and guided the Azzurri to victory at Euro 2020, beating England in the final at Wembley. He also led Italy on a world-record 37-match unbeaten run.
However, his first spell ended in 2023 after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, losing to North Macedonia in the play-offs.
Before returning to the national team, Mancini managed Saudi Arabia and later Qatari club Al Sadd, where he won the Qatar Stars League before leaving the club in June.
At club level, Mancini enjoyed success with Inter Milan, Lazio and Manchester City, where he guided City to their first Premier League title in 2012.
His second spell as Italy coach begins with a UEFA Nations League home match against Belgium on 25 September, followed by an away game against Turkey three days later.
