Roberto Mancini has returned to the role of the Italy national team coach.
The news was confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Tuesday, following an eventful few days leading up to his appointment.
Mancini, 61, previously led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023 and guided Italy to UEFA EURO 2020 glory.
Speaking at a press conference, FIGC president Giovanni Malago said: “Roberto Mancini is the right person to take on the role of head coach of the Italian national football team at this time."
These have not been easy days for Italian football and the Federation, given the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who had only recently taken up the roles of technical director and advisor to the national team respectively.
Malago did not approve a proposal to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach, and the pair who were due to oversee the reorganisation of the national team’s structure have decided to step down from their positions.
The FIGC president also confirmed that Claudio Ranieri has accepted the role of technical director and will work alongside Mancini in this new venture.
“Joining them will be a third figure, a director of the national teams. A role similar to those previously held by Gigi Buffon and Gigi Riva,” added Malago.
Mancini’s previous spell as national team boss featured soaring highs and significant lows. The highlight was undoubtedly winning the EURO in 2021 – beating England on penalties in the Wembley final – but Mancini was unable to guide Italy to qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Mancini left his role in 2023 and subsequently became Saudi Arabia coach. He was most recently in charge at Qatari side Al Sadd.
With a third consecutive World Cup finals having just concluded without Italy participating, Mancini has been tasked with leading the Azzurri back to the biggest stage in 2030.
Sources: FIFA Official
