Roberto Mancini has once again taken the helm of the Italian national football team, marking his return to the role after a brief hiatus. The former Azzurri manager, who famously guided Italy to triumph at Euro 2020, is stepping back into the job at a turbulent moment for the federation, following the team's failure to secure a place in a third consecutive World Cup.
Mancini's second spell as Italy boss arrives amid a series of rapid changes within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), including the abrupt exit of technical director Paolo Maldini just 16 days after his appointment. Maldini, together with his adviser Leonardo, resigned amid controversy surrounding the selection process for the new head coach and concerns about the candidate's ties to a Russian gambling company. The saga began when the FIGC announced Maldini and Leonardo as part of a sweeping reform aimed at revitalising Italian football after the Azzurri missed out on World Cup qualification for the third time in a row.
However, their tenure was short‑lived. Within just over two weeks, both men walked away from their posts, citing disagreements over the federation's direction and the growing political pressure surrounding the coaching shortlist.
One of the most contentious names on that shortlist was former midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, a World Cup winner in 2006 and a respected figure in Italian football, had been the frontrunner after Pep Guardiola declined the offer to become Italy's head coach. The former player had entered into a commercial partnership with the Russian betting firm Fonbet earlier in the year, a move that sparked criticism from politicians and some FIGC officials due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In an Instagram statement, Pirlo defended the relationship, emphasizing that his agreement with Fonbet was purely commercial and sporting, and that he had never expressed any political views related to the partnership. He also clarified that he would not be able to take the national team job while still under contract with United FC, the United Arab Emirates club he was managing at the time. While Pirlo's candidacy collapsed, the FIGC turned its attention to other high‑profile managers.
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City mastermind, was approached and reportedly offered a substantial budget increase to lure him to the role. Over a three‑day meeting in Barcelona, Maldini and Leonardo presented Guardiola with an ambitious "Azzurro project" that would not only overhaul the senior squad but also restructure the entire youth system, aiming to lay a new foundation for Italian football.
Despite the allure of reshaping the national program, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. Carlo Ancelotti, another top‑tier Italian coach, was also contacted, but he was under contract with the Brazil national team and therefore unavailable.
With the pool of candidates narrowing, the FIGC moved quickly to secure Mancini, who had previously resigned from the Italy job in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia. Mancini's tenure in Saudi Arabia lasted just over a year, ending amid disappointing results in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
His departure from the Saudi side left him free to return to his native country, and the federation saw his proven track record—especially the Euro 2020 victory—as the most reliable option to restore confidence. Mancini's second appointment is expected to bring stability and a clear tactical vision back to the Azzurri.
During his first spell from 2018 to 2023, he transformed a struggling side into a disciplined, defensively solid unit capable of executing a modern, possession‑based style. His experience in handling high‑pressure tournaments and his ability to nurture young talent will be crucial as Italy looks to rebuild after the recent qualification disappointment. Beyond the coaching changes, the FIGC is also planning a broader structural overhaul.
The failed "Azzurro project" with Guardiola highlighted the federation's desire to integrate the senior team with the under‑21, under‑19, and even grassroots levels, ensuring a consistent playing philosophy throughout the national setup. Although Mancini's immediate focus will be on preparing the senior squad for upcoming Euro qualifiers, he is likely to be involved in shaping the long‑term development pathways, working closely with the new technical director—still to be confirmed—who will replace the short‑lived Maldini‑Leonardo duo. 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 its official channels on WhatsApp for real‑time news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. In summary, Roberto Mancini's return as Italy's head coach signals a decisive step toward stabilising a national program that has recently faced a series of setbacks. With his proven pedigree, the Azzurri hope to regain their competitive edge, re‑establish a cohesive playing identity, and ultimately secure qualification for future major tournaments.
The coming months will test Mancini's ability to blend experience with emerging talent, while the FIGC works behind the scenes to implement a comprehensive reform that could reshape Italian football for years to come.