The Italian Football Federation has reappointed Roberto Mancini as national team manager for a second stint, following Andrea Pirlo's withdrawal from consideration and Paolo Maldini's resignation as technical director.
Roberto Mancini has been named Italy's football manager for the second time, taking over the role vacated by Gennaro Gattuso in April. The appointment comes after Andrea Pirlo, initially considered the leading candidate, withdrew his candidacy on Monday amid controversy surrounding his connections to a Russian betting company. Technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo also resigned following the decision not to pursue Pirlo.
Mancini, 61, previously managed the Italian national team from 2018 to 2023, during which he secured victory at Euro 2020 by defeating England in the final at Wembley. His first tenure was marked by an impressive 37-game unbeaten run, though it ended with Italy's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a play-off loss to North Macedonia. He departed in August 2023 after that disappointing result.
The FIGC had reportedly approached both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti before settling on Pirlo. Claudio Ranieri, who famously guided Leicester City to the 2015-16 Premier League title, has been appointed to replace Maldini as technical director. Prior to his reappointment, Mancini spent time managing Saudi Arabia's national team and most recently Al Sadd in Qatar, departing that role in June.
Italy's absence from the 2022 World Cup extended a troubling pattern, as the nation has not appeared in a World Cup finals tournament since 2014. The Azzurri will begin their Nations League campaign on September 25 with a home fixture against Belgium, followed by a trip to Turkey three days later.
