Roberto Mancini has been handed the daunting task of rebuilding Italy once again, with the former European Championship-winning coach returning to the Azzurri dugout as the four-time world champions look to end their alarming World Cup drought.Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò confirmed Mancini’s appointment as Italy’s new head coach on Tuesday, while former Italy midfielder Claudio Ranieri has been named the federation’s new technical director.The decision comes after a turbulent period for Italian football, with the national team failing to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups. The crisis deepened after former coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina stepped down in April following Italy’s latest qualification failure.
Mancini returns three years after dramatic exit
Mancini’s return marks a surprising comeback almost three years after he left the national team in August 2023. The 61-year-old had guided Italy to European glory in 2021 but resigned unexpectedly before taking charge of Saudi Arabia just two weeks later.Malagò acknowledged Mancini’s controversial departure but said all factors had been considered before bringing him back.“It is clear that all the necessary assessments have been made,” Malagò said when asked about Mancini’s exit. “I certainly took it into consideration; I am aware of his recent apologies, and obviously, everyone has made the appropriate evaluations.”Explaining the decision, the FIGC chief said time was a major factor in choosing Mancini.“Time was running out … I believed the person who should become the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini, for a whole list of reasons,” Malagò said.Mancini and Ranieri are expected to address the media together at their official presentation.
The man who revived Italy gets another rescue mission
Mancini’s first stint as Italy coach began in 2018 after the Azzurri suffered the humiliation of missing the World Cup in Russia. He inherited a team searching for identity and transformed it by blending experienced players with emerging talent.Under Mancini, Italy became one of Europe’s most attractive teams, producing a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run, a world record at the time.The revival reached its peak at Euro 2020, where Italy defeated England on penalties at Wembley to lift the trophy and restore national pride.However, the World Cup heartbreak returned soon after. Italy suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat against North Macedonia in the 2022 playoff semifinal, missing out on the tournament in Qatar.Despite the setback, Mancini remained in charge before his sudden resignation in 2023. After leaving Saudi Arabia in 2024, he most recently managed Qatar club Al-Sadd before departing last month.
No easy road ahead for Mancini
Mancini’s return comes after Italy explored several options, including Andrea Pirlo, while high-profile names such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached but declined the opportunity. Former Italy coach Antonio Conte was another candidate.The new coach will face an immediate challenge, with Italy scheduled to play Belgium, Turkey and France in the Nations League.Malagò warned that Mancini will have limited time to prepare the team.“The new coach will have two training sessions to prepare for the first game,” he said.He added that Italy cannot expect an instant transformation against some of Europe’s strongest sides.