Roberto Mancini has once again taken the helm of the Italian national side, returning to the role that brought him widespread acclaim after leading the Azzurri to triumph at Euro 2020. His second spell as head coach comes at a turbulent moment for Italian football, as the team suffered the disappointment of missing out on qualification for a third consecutive World Cup, an unprecedented low point for a nation with such a storied football heritage. Mancini's re‑entry into the job follows a rapid succession of changes within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Only 16 days after being appointed technical director, former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini stepped down from the post, citing personal reasons and the difficulty of navigating the federation’s internal politics. Maldini’s abrupt exit also saw his close adviser, former player and coach Leonardo, resign simultaneously, leaving a leadership vacuum at a time when the federation was desperate for stability.
In the wake of Maldini’s departure, the FIGC turned its attention to experienced manager Claudio Ranieri, whose name has been floated as a possible replacement for the technical director role. Ranieri, best known for his unlikely Premier League title win with Leicester City, is seen as a steadying influence who could help guide the restructuring of Italy’s footballing framework. The search for a new senior coach also involved discussions with former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who had emerged as the leading candidate after Pep Guardiola declined the position. Pirlo, a World Cup winner in 2006 and now a global ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet, faced intense scrutiny over his commercial ties to a company linked to a country currently involved in the Ukraine conflict.
FIGC officials and several politicians voiced concerns that his association with the bookmaker could be politically sensitive, ultimately leading the federation to withdraw its offer. Pirlo addressed the controversy in a candid Instagram post, emphasizing that his relationship with Fonbet was strictly commercial and sport‑related, and that he had never expressed any political views that could be interpreted as supporting the Russian government. He also clarified that he was in the process of terminating his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he was managing, in anticipation of taking over the Italian job. The federation’s earlier attempts to secure a high‑profile coach also included an overture to Pep Guardiola, who had been approached to succeed Gennaro Gattuso after the latter’s resignation.
According to reports, the FIGC was prepared to make a significant budgetary adjustment to accommodate Guardiola’s salary demands, and Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona presenting a comprehensive "Azzurro project". This ambitious plan aimed not only to revamp the senior national team but also to overhaul the entire youth and women’s structures, creating a unified philosophy across all age groups.
Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football, leaving the federation to continue its search. Other names mentioned in the coaching carousel included Carlo Ancelotti, who was contacted before Guardiola but was unavailable due to his commitment as head coach of the Brazil national team. The rapid turnover of candidates highlighted the urgency felt by the FIGC to restore credibility and competitive edge to Italian football. Mancini’s own coaching résumé is impressive.
He first assumed the Italy job in 2018 and, after a period of rebuilding, guided the squad to a historic Euro 2020 victory, defeating England in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out at Wembley. He stepped down in August 2023 to accept the role of head coach of Saudi Arabia, a position he held for just over a year before resigning amid a string of disappointing results in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Now back in charge, Mancini inherits a team that has struggled to find form and cohesion. The Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament has sparked calls for a thorough review of scouting, player development, and tactical approaches. Mancini is expected to bring his pragmatic, defensively solid style while also encouraging the attacking flair that Italian fans cherish.
Beyond the tactical challenges, Mancini will also need to navigate the broader institutional reforms that the FIGC hopes to implement. The federation’s vision, as outlined by Maldini and Leonardo before their exit, includes a more transparent governance structure, enhanced investment in grassroots programs, and a stronger emphasis on integrating modern sports science into training regimes. Mancini’s experience, both domestically with clubs like Inter Milan and internationally with Saudi Arabia, positions him as a figure capable of bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. The appointment has been welcomed by many former players and analysts who view Mancini as a steady hand capable of restoring Italy’s reputation on the global stage.
However, critics argue that the federation must do more than simply reinstall a familiar face; they call for a holistic overhaul that addresses systemic issues such as talent identification, coaching education, and the financial sustainability of lower‑division clubs. As the new season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Mancini reshapes the squad, which young prospects are given a chance, and how the team’s tactical identity evolves under his guidance. The road ahead is undeniably challenging, but with a seasoned manager returning to the job, there is a renewed sense of optimism that Italy can reclaim its place among football’s elite.