Roberto Mancini has once again taken the reins of the Italian national football team, marking his second spell in charge of the Azzurri. The former Euro 2020 winning manager is returning after Italy’s disappointing failure to secure a place in the upcoming World Cup, a setback that has prompted a sweeping overhaul of the federation’s leadership and coaching structure.
Mancini first guided Italy from 2018 to August 2023, a period highlighted by the historic triumph at Euro 2020, where his tactical acumen and motivational skills helped the side lift the trophy on home soil. He stepped down shortly after that success to accept the role of head coach for Saudi Arabia, a position he held for just over a year before parting ways amid a series of lackluster performances in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His re‑appointment comes at a turbulent time for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Only 16 days after the federation announced the appointment of former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini as technical director, Maldini abruptly resigned, citing personal reasons. Alongside him, Leonardo, Maldini’s senior adviser, also quit, leaving a vacuum in the organization’s strategic leadership. The rapid turnover forced the FIGC to look for a new technical director, with former Leicester City and Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri being floated as a likely candidate. The search for a new head coach was equally fraught.
After Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, the role remained vacant for several weeks. Pep Guardiola, then manager of Manchester City, was approached and reportedly entertained the idea of taking over the national side, with the FIGC even indicating a willingness to stretch its budget to accommodate his salary. However, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal considerations that extended beyond football. Andrea Pirlo, the former midfield maestro and World Cup winner in 2006, emerged as the leading candidate once Guardiola ruled himself out.
Pirlo’s candidacy, however, hit a political snag: he serves as a global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, several FIGC officials and politicians voiced strong objections to appointing a figure with visible ties to a Russian enterprise. Pirlo defended his commercial relationship in a detailed Instagram post, emphasizing that his contract with Fonbet was purely business‑oriented and bore no political connotations.
He also noted that he was in the process of terminating his contract with United FC, the United Arab Emirates Pro League side he was managing at the time, in anticipation of taking the Italian job. With Pirlo’s candidacy collapsing, the FIGC turned its attention back to Mancini.
The decision was announced on a Sunday, with the federation stating that discussions with Pirlo, Maldini and Leonardo would not continue because of the controversy surrounding Pirlo’s betting‑company affiliation. Mancini’s return was therefore presented as a stabilising move, offering continuity and a proven track record. Beyond the coaching appointment, the federation’s broader restructuring plan was ambitious.
Maldini and Leonardo had originally envisioned a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that would not only revamp the senior national team but also overhaul youth squads, women's football, and the overall development pathway in Italy. Their proposal to Guardiola involved him becoming the centerpiece of this long‑term strategy, essentially acting as a footballing architect for the entire Italian system.
Although that plan fell through, the underlying goal of rebuilding Italy’s footballing foundations remains a priority, especially after the nation missed out on qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. The fallout from the failed qualification campaign has been severe.
For the first time in modern history, Italy did not secure a spot in the World Cup, a blow that has sparked intense debate among fans, pundits, and politicians alike. The lack of a World Cup berth has financial implications, reduces exposure for Italian players on the global stage, and threatens the country’s footballing prestige. Mancini’s second tenure will therefore be under considerable pressure. He must quickly assess the squad, integrate emerging talents, and devise a tactical identity that can restore confidence.
His previous success was built on a balanced blend of disciplined defending, swift transitions, and creative freedom for attacking players. Replicating that formula will be challenging in a landscape where many of his former stars have retired or are past their peak.
In addition to the on‑field challenges, Mancini will need to navigate the administrative complexities left by Maldini’s abrupt exit. The appointment of a new technical director, likely Ranieri, will be critical in aligning the federation’s strategic vision with the coach’s day‑to‑day operations.
Coordination between the technical director and the head coach is essential to ensure that youth development pipelines feed the senior team with players who are accustomed to the tactical philosophy being promoted. The Italian media has already begun dissecting possible squad selections.
Veteran defenders such as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, both of whom announced their retirements from international duty after the failed qualification, will not be available. This opens opportunities for younger centre‑backs like Alessandro Bastoni and Leonardo Bonucci’s understudy, who must now step up. In midfield, the void left by Pirlo’s departure as a potential coach is being filled by a new generation of playmakers, including Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali, who will be expected to provide both creativity and defensive work‑rate.
Up front, the Azzurri have a pool of forwards ranging from seasoned striker Ciro Immobile to emerging talents such as Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Chiesa, who will need to find a consistent scoring rhythm. Mancini’s tactical flexibility—alternating between a 4‑3‑3, a 3‑5‑2, or even a more fluid 4‑2‑3‑1—will be tested as he seeks the optimal balance between experience and youthful exuberance.
Off the pitch, the federation is also launching a series of fan‑engagement initiatives. The Sky Sports app, for instance, is promoting a "Transfer Centre LIVE" feature, while the FIGC is encouraging supporters to follow its updates via WhatsApp for real‑time news, video highlights, and analytical pieces. These digital platforms aim to keep the passionate Italian fan base connected during a period of transition. In summary, Roberto Mancini’s return signals a decisive move by the FIGC to restore stability and ambition after a season of upheaval.
While his past achievements provide a solid foundation, the challenges ahead are substantial: rebuilding a squad that missed the World Cup, integrating a new technical director, and delivering results that satisfy a nation hungry for footballing glory. The coming months will reveal whether Mancini can once again guide Italy back to the summit of European football, or if a new era of reform will be required to revive the Azzurri’s storied legacy.