Roberto Mancini has officially returned as head coach of the Italy national team, marking a dramatic comeback three years after stepping down from the role. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment while also announcing that veteran manager Claudio Ranieri will take over as the federation’s new Technical Director.
The dual appointments signal the beginning of a new chapter for Italian football after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the national team’s leadership. FIGC ultimately abandoned its original restructuring plans involving football legends Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, opting instead for a leadership team built around Mancini and Ranieri.
The federation had previously reached an agreement with Andrea Pirlo to become Italy’s next head coach. However, the deal collapsed after concerns emerged regarding Pirlo’s contractual obligations as a global ambassador for a Russian betting company that reportedly appears on Italy’s prohibited list.
With time running short, FIGC President Giovanni Malago decided to turn once again to the coach who guided Italy to European glory just a few years ago.
Roberto Mancini Begins His Second Spell With Italy
Mancini first managed the Azzurri between 2018 and 2023, overseeing one of the most memorable periods in recent Italian football history.
His greatest achievement came in UEFA Euro 2020, where Italy defeated England in the final to lift the European Championship trophy at Wembley Stadium. The triumph restored Italy’s reputation as one of Europe’s elite football nations after several disappointing years.
Despite that success, Mancini’s first tenure also included significant disappointment after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a setback that ultimately overshadowed part of his legacy with the national team.
Following his departure from Italy, Mancini accepted an offer to coach the Saudi Arabia national team before later taking charge of Qatari club Al Sadd.
Now, the 61-year-old tactician returns with a fresh opportunity to rebuild the national team and guide Italy back to consistent success on the international stage.
FIGC Explains Why Plans Changed
FIGC President Giovanni Malago admitted that Andrea Pirlo had initially been the federation’s preferred candidate after discussions involving Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.
However, the situation changed rapidly once new information surfaced regarding Pirlo’s commercial partnership with a company connected to a Russian gambling website.
According to Malago, the federation could not afford further delays in appointing a new coach.
“Time was extremely limited, and after considering every option, I believed Roberto Mancini was the right person to lead Italy again for many reasons. I take full responsibility for this decision.”
Malago also dismissed suggestions of internal disagreements within the federation.
He insisted that his professional relationship with both Maldini and Leonardo remains positive, explaining that the parties simply held different opinions regarding the direction of the national team’s coaching project.
Claudio Ranieri Takes on a New Leadership Role
Alongside Mancini’s appointment, FIGC confirmed that Claudio Ranieri will become Italy’s new Technical Director.
The highly respected coach is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the federation’s long-term football strategy, youth development, and technical direction across all national teams.
Malago expressed complete confidence that Ranieri shares the federation’s vision for the future.
“The person who shares the same vision as I do is Claudio Ranieri. Just a few minutes ago, he confirmed that he has accepted the position. He will take on a role that carries enormous responsibility and importance.”
Ranieri Begins a New Chapter Off the Touchline
Ranieri officially retired from full-time coaching in 2024, although he briefly returned to manage AS Roma on an interim basis during the previous season.
Rather than returning permanently to club management, the 74-year-old has chosen to contribute behind the scenes by helping shape the future of Italian football.
His vast experience, accumulated over decades of coaching across Serie A and Europe’s top leagues, is expected to provide valuable guidance to both Mancini and Italy’s next generation of players.
Italy Hope New Leadership Will Restore International Success
With Roberto Mancini back on the sidelines and Claudio Ranieri overseeing the federation’s technical direction, Italy hopes the new leadership structure will provide stability after several months of uncertainty.
The federation believes the combination of Mancini’s tactical expertise and Ranieri’s wealth of experience can help restore the Azzurri’s competitiveness ahead of upcoming UEFA and FIFA competitions.
Supporters will now be eager to see whether Mancini can recreate the success that brought Italy the European Championship and lead the four-time world champions back among football’s elite on the global stage.
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