Roberto Mancini has once again taken the reins as the manager of the Italian national football team, marking his second spell in charge of the Azzurri. The former Euro 2020-winning boss returns after Italy suffered a historic setback, failing to secure qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. Mancini's reinstatement follows a period of upheaval within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), highlighted by the abrupt exit of technical director Paolo Maldini just 16 days after his appointment.
Maldini's short-lived tenure, alongside his advisor Leonardo, ended in a sudden resignation that left the federation scrambling for stability. Their departure paved the way for speculation that former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri might step in as the new technical director, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
The rapid turnover underscored the urgency felt by the FIGC to overhaul its leadership after the national team’s disappointing performance in the World Cup qualifying campaign. Earlier in the week, the federation halted negotiations with Andrea Pirlo, the former midfield maestro who had been the frontrunner for the coaching vacancy following Pep Guardiola’s decision to decline the role. The decision to drop Pirlo stemmed from concerns about his affiliation with Russian betting company Fonbet, a partnership that raised eyebrows among officials and politicians given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pirlo, a World Cup champion in 2006, defended his commercial relationship in a candid Instagram post, emphasizing that his work with Fonbet was purely business‑related and bore no political connotations.
He also clarified that he had already begun the process of terminating his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he was managing, in anticipation of a potential move back to Italy. The search for a new head coach had been a high‑profile affair.
After Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, the FIGC approached several high‑caliber candidates. Pep Guardiola, fresh from a successful spell at Manchester City, was reportedly offered a lucrative package and the chance to spearhead a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that would revamp not only the senior squad but the entire national team structure.
According to sources, Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona presenting Guardiola with a vision that extended beyond a traditional coaching contract, aiming to rebuild Italian football from the grassroots up. However, Guardiola turned down the offer, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. Carlo Ancelotti was also consulted, but his commitments as head coach of the Brazil national team made him unavailable. Meanwhile, the federation continued to explore other options, including a brief flirtation with the idea of appointing Ranieri as technical director, a move that would bring a seasoned veteran with a reputation for stabilising struggling sides.
Mancini’s own history with the Azzurri is well‑documented. He first assumed the role in 2018 and quickly turned the team into a European powerhouse, culminating in the dramatic triumph at Euro 2020, where Italy lifted the trophy after a penalty shoot‑out victory over England. After five successful years, Mancini resigned in August 2023 to accept the head‑coaching job with Saudi Arabia. His tenure in the Middle East lasted just over a year, ending amid a series of underwhelming results in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Saudi stint, while brief, added an international dimension to his résumé and demonstrated his willingness to embrace new challenges. Now, with the national team in need of a steady hand, the FIGC has turned back to a familiar figure.
Mancini’s return is seen as a pragmatic choice, leveraging his proven track record, tactical acumen, and deep understanding of the Italian football culture. The federation hopes that his experience will help the Azzurri regroup, re‑establish a winning mentality, and lay the groundwork for future success, including a potential return to the World Cup stage.
In addition to the coaching changes, the FIGC is also focusing on broader reforms. The failed qualification campaign exposed structural weaknesses in youth development, scouting, and the integration of domestic talent into the senior squad. The proposed "Azzurro project"—though not fully realized under Guardiola—remains a blueprint for long‑term revitalisation, emphasizing modern training methodologies, data‑driven analysis, and a more cohesive pathway from the under‑21 side to the senior team. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments through the Sky Sports app, which offers live transfer news, Premier League updates, and exclusive content.
The federation also encourages supporters to follow their official channels on WhatsApp for real‑time news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis of the national team’s progress. As Mancini prepares to step back onto the touchline, the Italian football community watches with cautious optimism. The challenges ahead are significant, but the return of a proven champion may provide the stability and vision needed to restore Italy’s stature on the global stage.