Roberto Mancini has once again taken the reins of the Italian national football team, stepping back into the role that brought him widespread acclaim after guiding Italy to triumph at Euro 2020. This marks his second spell in charge of the Azzurri, a comeback prompted by the squad's failure to secure a place in the upcoming World Cup, marking a third consecutive miss for the nation in the tournament. Mancini's return arrives amid a period of upheaval within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Just 16 days after assuming the position of technical director, former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini resigned, citing personal reasons and the mounting pressure surrounding the federation’s restructuring efforts.
In the wake of Maldini’s abrupt exit, the FIGC has signalled that veteran manager Claudio Ranieri is likely to be installed as the new technical director, tasked with overseeing the broader strategic overhaul of Italian football. The turmoil did not stop there. Both Maldini and his close adviser, former Juventus and Italy midfielder Leonardo, stepped down only weeks after their official appointment. Their departure came after the federation halted negotiations with Andrea Pirlo – the initial favorite to succeed Gennaro Gattuso – due to concerns over Pirlo’s commercial ties to the Russian betting company Fonbet.
The partnership, which began in October, raised eyebrows among FIGC officials and politicians, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting a reassessment of Pirlo’s suitability for the job. Pirlo, a World Cup winner from the 2006 tournament and now a global ambassador for Fonbet, responded to the controversy with a detailed Instagram statement. He emphasized that his relationship with the bookmaker was strictly commercial and sporting, denying any political affiliation or endorsement of the Russian regime. He also clarified that his recent coaching stint with United FC in the United Arab Emirates would be concluded should he be appointed Italy’s head coach, underscoring his willingness to focus entirely on the national side.
Meanwhile, the FIGC had been courting other high‑profile candidates. Pep Guardiola, the celebrated Manchester City manager, was approached to fill the vacancy left by Gattuso. According to sources, the federation was prepared to make a significant budgetary adjustment to secure his services, envisioning a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that would not only revamp the senior team but also reshape the entire youth and women's structures in Italy. Over a three‑day meeting in Barcelona, Maldini and Leonardo presented Guardiola with a vision that extended beyond a traditional coaching contract, positioning him as the central architect of a long‑term renaissance for Italian football.
However, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. Other names floated in the mix included Carlo Ancelotti, who was reportedly contacted before Guardiola but declined due to his commitment to the Brazil national team. The federation’s search highlighted the urgency with which the FIGC wants to restore credibility and competitive edge after the historic failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup. Mancini’s own journey back to the Azzurri is a story of both success and recent disappointment.
He first took charge of Italy in 2018, leading the side to a historic Euro 2020 victory, a tournament that was postponed to 2021 because of the pandemic. After five years at the helm, he resigned in August 2023 to accept the role of head coach for Saudi Arabia, a move that was completed just two weeks later.
His tenure in the Middle East lasted a little over a year, ending amid a string of poor results during the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite the setbacks, Mancini’s reputation for tactical flexibility, motivational skill, and ability to nurture young talent remains highly regarded in Italy and abroad. With his reappointment, Mancini inherits a national side that has struggled to find consistency and identity. The failure to qualify for the World Cup has exposed gaps in player development, scouting, and strategic planning.
Mancini is expected to implement a blend of pragmatic defensive organization and attacking flair, drawing on the modern Italian tradition that balances solidity with creativity. He will also need to manage the expectations of a passionate fan base and a media landscape that closely scrutinises every decision. Beyond the pitch, Mancini’s return signals a broader attempt by the FIGC to stabilize leadership after a period marked by rapid turnover and controversy.
The federation hopes that his proven track record, combined with his familiarity with the Italian football ecosystem, will provide the steady hand needed to navigate the rebuilding phase. In parallel, the anticipated appointment of Claudio Ranieri as technical director is likely to bring additional experience and strategic insight, potentially fostering a more cohesive approach across all national teams, from the senior squad down to the under‑21 and youth levels. As the new era begins, Italian supporters will be watching closely to see how Mancini addresses the tactical, cultural, and organizational challenges that lie ahead.
The road to the next major tournament will require not only a reinvigorated playing style but also a renewed sense of unity and purpose within the federation. If successful, Mancini’s second stint could restore Italy to its traditional place among football’s elite, rekindling the pride of a nation that lives and breathes the beautiful game.