FIGC appoints Mancini as Italy manager following leadership overhaul

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has appointed Roberto Mancini as manager of the Italy national team for a second time. The decision, confirmed by FIGC president Giovanni Malago, follows a period of significant internal restructuring and the withdrawal of Andrea Pirlo from consideration for the role.

Mancini, 61, returns to the position he held from 2018 to 2023, a tenure that included winning Euro 2020. His reappointment comes just one day after technical director Paolo Maldini resigned and Pirlo ruled himself out of the running for the head coach job. Maldini, who had been appointed to his role only two weeks prior, stepped down following the decision not to select Pirlo. His adviser, Leonardo, also resigned in protest.

Pirlo’s withdrawal occurred on Monday amid controversy regarding his ties to a Russian betting company. Prior to considering Pirlo, the FIGC had approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti about the vacancy. Under-21 manager Silvio Baldini had taken over on a temporary basis following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso in April, after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Claudio Ranieri will replace Maldini as technical director. Ranieri is best known for leading Leicester City to the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season. The appointment signals a shift in the federation’s administrative structure as it seeks to stabilise the national team program.

Mancini’s previous stint ended in August 2023 after Italy lost a play-off to North Macedonia, ending their World Cup qualifying campaign. Since leaving the Azzurri, he managed the Saudi Arabia national team and Qatari side Al Sadd, where he won the Qatar Stars League before departing in June.

Italy are scheduled to restart their competitive fixtures with their Nations League campaign. The team will host Belgium on 25 September, followed by a match against Turkey three days later. The side has not featured at a World Cup finals since 2014.