Story perspectives

FIGC Names Roberto Mancini Coach, Ranieri Technical Director

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appointed Roberto Mancini as head coach on Tuesday.
Claudio Ranieri was named technical director, taking over after Paolo Maldini quit after 16 days.
The FIGC rejected Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy because of his link to Russian betting firm Fonbet, prompting Maldini’s resignation.
Mancini, who won Euro 2020 and a 37-match unbeaten run (2018-2023), now faces a Nations League group with Belgium, Turkey and France in September-October.

History

Historical Context

The 2006 Calciopoli scandal, uncovered in May 2006, exposed a network of match-fixing that forced the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to impose severe sanctions. FIGC president Luca Pancalli and commissioner Carlo Tavecchio levied a 30-point deduction on Juventus, a €1.5 million fine, and relegated three clubs. Today's appointment of Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri echoes that crisis, as the FIGC again navigates coaching disputes and betting-related controversies involving Andrea Pirlo and Fonbet. The 2006 fallout taught Italian football that governance failures invite sanctions, prompting stricter oversight that now shapes national team leadership decisions and integrity safeguards.

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Story summary

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appointed Roberto Mancini as head coach on Tuesday.
Claudio Ranieri was named technical director, taking over after Paolo Maldini quit after 16 days.
The FIGC rejected Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy because of his link to Russian betting firm Fonbet, prompting Maldini’s resignation.
Mancini, who won Euro 2020 and a 37-match unbeaten run (2018-2023), now faces a Nations League group with Belgium, Turkey and France in September-October.

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