Mancini Returns to Italy Job as Ranieri Joins FIGC Restructure
Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy's head coach, ending a chaotic recruitment process that followed the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's proposed appointment. The former Manchester City manager begins a second spell with the Azzurri, while Claudio Ranieri takes over as technical director.
Mancini Gets the Call
The Italian Football Federation confirmed Mancini's appointment on Tuesday through president Giovanni Malago. The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left in April after Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifying play-off. That defeat condemned Italy to a third consecutive World Cup absence. It also prompted the federation to launch a major restructuring project, with Paolo Maldini appointed technical director on July 11.
Maldini and adviser Leonardo initially backed Pirlo as their preferred candidate. However, Pirlo's links to Russian betting company Fonbet created opposition from Italian politicians and some federation officials. Pirlo confirmed on Monday that he was no longer under consideration. He defended his Fonbet relationship as exclusively commercial and sporting, but the controversy ended his hopes of becoming Italy's next coach.
Maldini Exit Opens Door
The collapse of the Pirlo plan quickly triggered another major change. Maldini and Leonardo resigned just 16 days after their appointments, leaving the FIGC searching for both a coach and a new technical director.
Malago said he ultimately rejected Pirlo's candidacy after learning more about the situation. He then moved quickly to appoint Mancini, citing the need for a coach who shared his vision for Italy's future. Claudio Ranieri will replace Maldini as technical director. The 74-year-old brings extensive experience and famously guided Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015-16.
Ranieri will oversee technical operations and elite football development across Italy's national team structures. His appointment is intended to restore stability after a turbulent period at the federation.
Mancini's First Spell
Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 until 2023, winning Euro 2020 at Wembley. He also guided the Azzurri through a world-record 37-match unbeaten run during his first tenure. Overall, Mancini recorded 38 wins, 12 draws and eight defeats in 58 matches. However, his reign also included a major disappointment when Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
The Azzurri lost their qualifying play-off against North Macedonia, missing the tournament in Qatar. Mancini resigned in August 2023 before later taking charge of Saudi Arabia. Italy have now missed three consecutive World Cups. The four-time world champions last appeared at the finals in 2014, increasing the pressure on Mancini to deliver a successful rebuild.
What Comes Next?
Mancini's immediate challenge is to restore confidence and create a team capable of qualifying for major tournaments. His second spell will begin with Italy's Nations League campaign in September. The Azzurri are scheduled to host Belgium on September 25. They will then travel to face Turkey three days later, giving Mancini an early test against strong European opposition.
The new coach will also work alongside Ranieri as Italy attempts to establish a clearer long-term structure. Their broader objective will be to rebuild the national team ahead of Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle.
For Mancini, the return offers an opportunity to repair the damage of his previous exit. For Italy, it represents another attempt to recover from one of the most difficult periods in its history.