Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach For Second Stint
Mancini returns to lead Italy's national football team.
Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the head coach of the Italy national football team for a second time, with the experienced manager returning to lead the Azzurri during a period of uncertainty. Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò announced Mancini’s appointment on Tuesday, saying the decision was made after considering several factors and the urgent need for stability.
Mancini previously guided Italy to a memorable European Championship triumph in 2021, reviving the team after it failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, he unexpectedly resigned from his position in August 2023 and took charge of Saudi Arabia’s national team shortly afterward, bringing an end to his first spell with the Azzurri.
The return comes at a difficult time for Italian football, with the national team facing another major setback after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time. The crisis led to significant changes within the federation, including the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and former coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.
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Along with Mancini’s appointment, former Italy manager Claudio Ranieri has been named the team’s new technical director. The move follows the brief tenure of Paolo Maldini, who stepped down from the role just 16 days after being appointed. Ranieri and Mancini are expected to address the media at a joint press conference.
Announcing the decision, Malagò said that time was limited and that Mancini was the right choice for the national team due to his experience and previous success with Italy. The federation hopes that Mancini’s return can help rebuild confidence and restore Italy’s competitiveness on the international stage.
Mancini now faces the challenge of rebuilding an Italy side that has struggled in recent years despite its historic success at Euro 2020. His second stint will focus on creating a stronger squad, improving performances, and guiding the team back to major international tournaments.
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