Roberto Mancini returns as Italy manager for second stint after Pirlo controversy
Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy manager for a second spell after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed his appointment on Tuesday, bringing an end to a turbulent search for a new head coach that saw Andrea Pirlo withdraw from contention and technical director Paolo Maldini resign.
Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup. The four-time world champions have not appeared at the tournament since Brazil 2014, extending one of the bleakest periods in the country’s football history.
Pirlo had emerged as the favourite to take charge before pulling out on Monday amid controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company. The decision triggered further upheaval within the federation, with Maldini and adviser Leonardo stepping down after the FIGC opted against appointing the former Juventus midfielder.
“I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini,” FIGC president Giovanni Malago said following the announcement.
Former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Italy’s new technical director, replacing Maldini.
Mancini returns to familiar territory after a successful first stint in charge from 2018 to 2023. He guided Italy to the delayed Euro 2020 title, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley, and oversaw a world-record 37-match unbeaten run.
His tenure, however, also featured the shock failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a play-off defeat to North Macedonia. Mancini resigned in August 2023 before taking charge of Saudi Arabia and later Qatari club Al Sadd.
The 61-year-old left Al Sadd in June after leading the club to the Qatar Stars League title. Despite the domestic success, the club failed to reach the final four of the AFC Champions League Elite and lost the Qatar Cup final.
One of Italy’s most decorated coaches, Mancini also enjoyed a successful club career. He led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012, won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and lifted the Coppa Italia with both Inter and Lazio. His managerial career has also included spells with Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg.
Italy begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium on September 25 before travelling to face Turkey three days later, with Mancini tasked with restoring the Azzurri’s fortunes after years of disappointment on the international stage.
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