Roberto Mancini is back at the helm of the Italy national team, following a tumultuous period that saw Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment blocked over controversial ties.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has made a dramatic U-turn in its coaching search, bringing back Roberto Mancini for a second spell as head coach of the Italy national team. This decision comes after a chaotic few days that saw Andrea Pirlo‘s potential appointment derailed by political concerns.
Mancini, who previously led Italy to Euro 2026 victory, will now face the challenge of reviving the team’s fortunes after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and subsequent absence from this summer’s tournament in Qatar.
Mancini’s return ends a period of turmoil
The FIGC’s search for a new head coach took a dramatic turn when Pep Guardiola turned down the position, and Pirlo emerged as the front-runner. However, Pirlo’s sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company raised political concerns, leading to his rejection.
This decision sparked internal turmoil, with Paolo Maldini the FIGC’s technical director, and his adviser Leonardo resigning in protest. Maldini had been leading the search for a new head coach and was reportedly furious at the decision to block Pirlo’s appointment.
The Mancini-Ranieri partnership
With the coaching search back to square one, FIGC president Giovanni Malago announced Mancini’s return, citing his proven track record and the urgency of the situation. Mancini will be supported by Claudio Ranieri who replaces Maldini as technical director.
Ranieri, known for his managerial success with Leicester City will oversee technical operations and elite football development across Italy’s national team structures. Malago emphasized the importance of having someone with whom he could share decisions, highlighting the collaborative nature of the new setup.
Looking ahead to Euro 2028
Mancini’s immediate task will be to prepare Italy for the 2028 European Championships following a disappointing period that saw the team fail to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. His first challenge will be the Nations League campaign, which begins in September with matches against Belgium and Turkey.
With a wealth of experience at both club and international levels, Mancini brings a proven ability to turn around struggling teams. His previous success with Italy, including a 37-game unbeaten run and the Euro 2026 victory, provides a solid foundation for optimism among Italian football fans.
