MILAN — Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy head coach, nearly three years after his surprise resignation from the national team, with the mission of reviving an Azzurri side in crisis.
Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò announced Mancini’s appointment on Tuesday, confirming that veteran coach Claudio Ranieri will serve as technical director after Paolo Maldini stepped down just 16 days into the role.
The 61-year-old guided Italy to the delayed Euro 2020 title in 2021 before resigning unexpectedly in August 2023. He was appointed Saudi Arabia head coach two weeks later, leaving the position in 2024 before taking charge of Qatar’s Al Sadd. He departed the club last month.
“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. “There will be a press conference tomorrow with both Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini.”
Mancini takes over after Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time, a collapse that prompted the resignations of federation president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.
His first stint with the national team also began during a period of rebuilding after Italy missed the 2018 World Cup following a playoff defeat to Sweden.
Under Mancini, the Azzurri developed into one of Europe’s most exciting teams, lifting the Euro 2020 trophy after defeating England on penalties at Wembley Stadium and compiling a world-record 37-match unbeaten run between 2018 and 2021.
However, Italy’s hopes of reaching the 2022 World Cup ended with a shock 1-0 playoff defeat to North Macedonia. Mancini remained in charge before stepping down in August 2023.
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager now returns after Italy’s search for a new coach narrowed. Andrea Pirlo was dropped from consideration amid political concerns surrounding a sponsorship agreement with a Russian betting company, while Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti both declined offers.
Italy’s first matches under Mancini’s second spell will come in September and October, when the Azzurri face Belgium, Turkey and France in the UEFA Nations League.
Source: Saudi Gazette