Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Head Coach Amid Federation Shake-up

On Tuesday, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò announced that Roberto Mancini will resume his role as head coach of the Italy men’s national team. The decision, confirmed at a Federal Council meeting, will be formalised at a press conference the following day, where Claudio Ranieri will be introduced as the new technical director, succeeding Paolo Maldini. Mancini, 61, previously led Italy from 2018-2023, winning Euro 2020 and overseeing a 37-match unbeaten run.

Al Jazeera (website)New York TimesRoberto Mancini reappointed Italy head coach alongside Claudio Ranieri Mancini Appointed New Italy National Team Coach

Italy have missed the last three World Cup cycles, prompting the resignation of former coach Gennaro Gattuso after a March playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The federation’s leadership also saw rapid turnover: Maldini and adviser Leonardo quit 16 days after their appointment when their preferred candidate, Andrea Pirlo, was blocked over his partnership with Russian betting firm Fonbet. Former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and technical director Gian Piero Gallucci also stepped down amid the crisis.

Roberto Mancini: Former Man City boss returns as Italy national team boss after Paolo Maldini's exit

• April 2024 – Gattuso resigns after playoff defeat.

ESPN

• June 2024 – Malagò elected FIGC president; appoints Maldini as technical director.

New York Times

• Mid-June 2024 – Pirlo’s candidacy withdrawn; Maldini and Leonardo resign.

ESPN

• July 28 2026 – Malagò announces Mancini’s appointment and Ranieri’s role.

New York Times

• Sept 25 2026 (scheduled) – Mancini’s first match: Nations League versus Belgium.

Mancini returns as Italy head coach

• Mancini managed Italy in 58 matches during his first spell, winning Euro 2020 and achieving a 37-match unbeaten streak (2018-2021).

The Hindu

• Italy have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026).

ESPN

• The Nations League group includes Belgium, Turkey and France.

The Hindu

The appointment aims to restore Italy’s standing after a period of qualification failures. Pairing Mancini with Ranieri signals a shift toward stability and elite-level expertise. Success in the Nations League could improve Italy’s UEFA coefficient and future tournament seedings.

Mancini returns as Italy coach to lead Azzurri revival after World Cup failure

Malagò said the federation needed a partner with whom he could share coaching decisions, leading to Ranieri’s appointment.

Italy appoint Roberto Mancini as head coach, Claudio Ranieri named FIGC technical director

Former manager Fabio Capello questioned Mancini’s past decision to leave the national team for Saudi Arabia, describing it as “really bad,” reflecting lingering skepticism among senior Italian figures.

New York Times