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 the appointment of Mancini as Italy’s new head coach on Tuesday, while former Italy midfielder Claudio Ranieri was 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 worsened after former coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned in April following Italy’s failure to qualify.
Mancini returns three years after the dramatic exit
Mancini’s return marks a surprise comeback almost three years after he quit the national team in August 2023. The 61-year-old had led 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 taken into account 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 that into consideration; I’m aware of his recent apologies, and obviously, everyone made the appropriate assessments.”Explaining the decision, the head of the FIGC said that time was a major factor in Mancini’s choice.“The time was up… I believe that 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 in their official presentation.
The man who resurrected Italy gets another rescue mission
Mancini’s first step as Italy coach began in 2018 after the Azzurri suffered the humiliation of missing out on the World Cup in Russia. I inherited a team that was searching for identity and transformed it by mixing experienced players with emerging talent.Under Mancini, Italy became one of the most attractive teams in Europe, 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 heart of the World Cup returned soon after. Italy suffered a 1-0 home defeat at home to North Macedonia in the semi-finals of the 2022 playoff, losing the tournament in Qatar.Despite the setback, Mancini remained in charge before his sudden resignation in 2023. After leaving Saudi Arabia in 2024, the last management of Qatar club Al-Sadd before leaving last month.
No easy road ahead for Mancini
Mancini’s return comes after Italy explored several options, including Andrea Pirlo, while big-name figures such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached but turned down 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 match,” he said.He added that Italy cannot expect an immediate transformation against some of Europe’s strongest sides.