Roberto Mancini has been appointed head coach of Italy for a second time, as confirmed by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò. This announcement also includes Claudio Ranieri taking on the role of technical director.
Mancini previously managed the national team from 2018 to 2023. During his first tenure, he led Italy to victory in the European Championship in 2021, defeating England in a penalty shootout at Wembley. However, the team did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup and had a slow start to Euro 2024 qualifying. He managed Italy for 58 matches in his initial period.
Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who departed in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Following his previous departure from the Italy job in 2023, Mancini managed Saudi Arabia and later Al-Sadd in Qatar, leaving the latter after eight months.
Leadership changes at FIGC
The appointment of Mancini follows a period of significant changes within the FIGC leadership. Paolo Maldini, the former technical director, and his advisor, Leonardo, resigned from their positions after Andrea Pirlo’s potential appointment as head coach was blocked. Pirlo’s candidacy raised questions due to his connections with a Russian betting firm.
Malagò stated that he believed Mancini was the most suitable person for the head coach role. He also emphasised the importance of having a shared vision for the coaching decision, which led to Ranieri’s appointment.
Ranieri, who is 74 years old, will succeed Maldini as technical director. He is known for leading Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016. In his new role, Ranieri will oversee technical operations and elite football development across Italy’s national team structures.
Malagò noted that he needed someone with whom he could share the decision regarding the coach. He confirmed that Ranieri assured him of his commitment to the role. Mancini is scheduled to be formally unveiled on Wednesday.
Mancini’s immediate tasks
Mancini’s return to the Azzurri helm comes after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from consideration for the coaching position. Pirlo’s links to a Russian betting firm, where he served as a global ambassador, led to criticism from some Italian politicians regarding his suitability for the role.
Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached for the Italy coaching job but both declined the offers. Antonio Conte was another candidate considered after leaving Napoli at the end of last season.
Mancini’s first matches in charge will be against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, followed by an away fixture against Turkiye three days later. Italy will then face France and Turkiye again in early October, and another match against France and a trip to Belgium in November.
A primary objective for Mancini will be to guide Italy to the 2028 European Championship, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Italy aims to secure their third European Championship title, with their last win occurring in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
Looking further ahead, the team also aims to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, having not participated in the tournament since 2014 in Brazil.
Giorgio Chiellini had earlier ruled himself out of replacing Maldini as the FIGC’s technical director, stating his intention to remain as chief club affairs officer at Juventus.
Mancini’s past club management experience includes spells at Inter, Fiorentina, and Manchester City, where he spent three years and guided them to their first Premier League title in 2011-12.
The 61-year-old coach will be formally unveiled on Wednesday.
Source: theguardian.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
