Roberto Mancini has returned as the head coach of the Italian national football team in tasked with rescuing the Azzurri after their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Italian Soccer Federation President Giovanni Malagò announced the appointment on Tuesday. Alongside Mancini, veteran manager Claudio Ranieri has been named the new technical director, replacing Paolo Maldini, who stepped down just 16 days into his tenure.
"Time was running out, and I believe Mancini is the right person for this role" Malagò stated. Acknowledging the coach's abrupt departure three years ago, he noted that "all necessary assessments have been made."
Mancini famously led Italy to the Euro 2020 title during a world-record 37-match unbeaten streak. However, he shockingly resigned in August 2023 to manage the Saudi Arabian national team.
His return follows a period of deep crisis for Italian football. The team’s recent World Cup playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina prompted the resignations of former coach Gennaro Gattuso and federation president Gabriele Gravina. The managerial search was further complicated when lead candidate Andrea Pirlo was dropped over a controversial Russian sponsorship deal, leading to Maldini’s mutual departure.
With top managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti turning down the role, Mancini now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding the squad. His immediate test will come this autumn when Italy faces Belgium, Turkey and France in the UEFA Nations League.
Malagò highlighted the urgency of the situation Mancini will have only two training sessions before his first match, emphasizing the need to "do the best with what we have" against elite opponents.
