Roberto Mancini has been given 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 daunting 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 was named the federation’s new technical director.The decision comes after a turbulent season 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 resigned in April following Italy’s latest qualification failure.
Mancini returns three years after a dramatic exit
Mancini’s return marks a stunning comeback almost three years after he left the national team in August 2023. The 61-year-old guided Italy to European glory in 2021 but unexpectedly resigned before taking charge of Saudi Arabia two weeks later.Malagò acknowledged Mancini’s controversial departure but said all factors were considered before bringing him back.“It is clear that all the necessary assessments have been done,” said Malagò when asked about Mancini’s exit. “I really thought about it; I was aware of his recent apology, and obviously, everyone is doing the appropriate checks.”Explaining the decision, the head of the FIGC said that the weather was a big factor in choosing Mancini.“Time is running out… I believe that the man who should be the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini, for a whole list of reasons,” said Malagò.Mancini and Ranieri are expected to address the media together at their official presentation.
The man who revived Italy got another rescue mission
Mancini’s first stint as Italy coach began in 2018 after the Azzurri suffered the humiliation of missing out on the World Cup in Russia. He inherited a team that was searching for identity and transformed it by mixing experienced players with new talents.Under Mancini, Italy became one of the most attractive teams in Europe, making an incredible 37-game unbeaten run, a world record at the time.The revival reached its peak at Euro 2020, where Italy beat England on penalties at Wembley to lift the trophy and restore national pride.However, the sadness of the World Cup 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 leaving last month.
Not an easy road ahead for Mancini
Mancini’s return comes after the Italian evaluated a number of options, including Andrea Pirlo, while high-profile names such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached but turned down the chance. Former Italy coach Antonio Conte is another candidate.The new coach will face an immediate challenge, with Italy set to play Belgium, Turkey and France in the Nations League.Malagò warned that Mancini has limited time to prepare the team.“The new coach has two training sessions to prepare for the first game,” he said.He added that Italy cannot expect an immediate change against some of the strongest sides in Europe.