Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as the head coach of the Italian national football team, taking charge of the crisis-hit Azzurri. The announcement was made by Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) president Giovanni Malago, who expressed his belief that Mancini was the right person to lead the team.
"Today we have a new coach and a new technical director," Malago told reporters, confirming the appointment and announcing a press conference with Mancini and Claudio Ranieri, the new technical director, scheduled for Wednesday. Malago stated his responsibility for the decision, saying, "I felt that the person who should be and become the Italian national football team's head coach was Roberto Mancini, for a whole series of considerations for which, as always, I honestly take responsibility."
Mancini, 61, previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, guiding them to the Euro 2020 title and an impressive 37-match unbeaten streak. However, his abrupt resignation in the summer of 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia reportedly strained his relationship with senior FIGC officials, especially as Italy struggled in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. He left his role with the Saudi side after just 14 months.
The return of Mancini comes after Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy coach in March following their World Cup qualification play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The national team has faced significant challenges, failing to qualify for the World Cup since 2014 and not reaching the knockout stages since winning the tournament in 2006. Their European Championship title defence under Luciano Spalletti concluded with a last-16 exit in 2024.
Mancini was reportedly preferred over other candidates, including Antonio Conte, another former national team coach. Reports indicated that technical director Paolo Maldini, who has now been replaced by Claudio Ranieri, had threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed, and had also stated he would resign if Conte was chosen, reportedly favoring Thiago Motta for the role. Andrea Pirlo, who was also considered a candidate, announced on Monday that he was no longer in contention, citing criticism over his ties with a Russian sports-betting company and his coaching experience.
Mancini's immediate task will be to prepare the team for a Nations League match against Belgium on September 25. The group also includes Turkey and France. Malago acknowledged the limited preparation time, noting, "The new coach will have two training sessions to prepare for the first game." He also addressed concerns about potential relegation, stating, "If you want to be objective and serious, finishing fourth in that group is logical."
Mancini's previous coaching successes include three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan between 2005 and 2008, and leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2011-12.
