Italy reappoint Mancini as Head Coach

Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as head coach of Italy’s national team, marking his second spell in charge as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) seeks to restore the country’s standing after missing the last three FIFA World Cups

FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, announcing that former Italy international Claudio Ranieri will also join the setup as technical director, replacing Paolo Maldini.

“Today we have a new coach and a new technical director,” Malago said. “I felt that the person who should be and become the Italian national football team’s head coach was Roberto Mancini.”

Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualification play-off final in March.

The 61-year-old previously managed the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023, leading the team to the Euro 2020 title and overseeing a record 37-game unbeaten streak.

He is set to begin his second stint with Italy during the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, with his first match scheduled against Belgium on September 25 in a group that also includes France and Turkey.

Malago admitted the task ahead would not be easy but appealed for patience, noting that Mancini would have only two training sessions before his first game.

“The new coach will have two training sessions to prepare for the first game,” he said, while dismissing suggestions that Mancini’s future should be judged solely on Italy’s Nations League results.

Although Mancini enjoyed major success during his first spell, his return has drawn mixed reactions. His sudden resignation in 2023 to become Saudi Arabia’s national team coach reportedly damaged his relationship with senior FIGC officials, as it came while Italy were still competing in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.