Roberto Mancini has officially been appointed as Italy’s national team manager for a second time, marking his return to the Azzurri after nearly three years away from the role.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment shortly after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from consideration due to controversy surrounding his reported links to a Russian betting company. The development also came just days after technical director Paolo Maldini resigned from his position.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò expressed confidence in the decision, stating that Mancini was the best candidate to guide Italy forward. Meanwhile, experienced coach Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director.
Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, leading the national team to victory at UEFA Euro 2020 and overseeing a record-breaking 37-match unbeaten run. Although Italy missed qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his achievements made him one of the country’s most successful recent managers.
Since leaving Italy in 2023, Mancini briefly coached the Saudi Arabia national team before taking charge of Al Sadd in Qatar, where he won the Qatar Stars League title.
The 61-year-old now returns with the task of rebuilding the national team and guiding Italy back to success on the international stage. His first competitive matches will come in September when Italy begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium and Turkey.
