Roberto Mancini has once again taken the reins of the Italian national football team, marking his return to the role after a brief but eventful stint abroad. The former Euro 2020-winning manager is stepping back into the Azzurri’s dugout following a period of turmoil that saw Italy miss out on qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. Mancini’s second spell as head coach comes at a time when the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is undergoing a major restructuring, prompted by the disappointment of failing to secure a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament.
Mancini first assumed the Italy job in 2018 and quickly turned the side into a formidable force, culminating in the historic triumph at Euro 2020, where his side lifted the trophy on home soil. After five years at the helm, he resigned in August 2023 to accept the managerial position 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 episode was brief, but it added a new chapter to Mancini’s already varied coaching résumé. The circumstances surrounding his return are intertwined with a series of rapid changes within the FIGC’s leadership.
Paolo Maldini, the legendary former AC Milan defender, was appointed technical director of the federation only to resign a mere 16 days later, citing personal reasons. His departure was accompanied by that of his adviser, Leonardo, who also stepped down after the same short period. Their brief tenure was intended to spearhead a sweeping overhaul of Italian football after the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, but the abrupt exit left a vacuum at the top of the organization. In the wake of Maldini’s resignation, the FIGC turned its attention to other high‑profile candidates.
Claudio Ranieri, the seasoned manager known for his surprise Premier League title with Leicester City, was reportedly being considered for the technical director position to fill the gap left by Maldini. Simultaneously, the federation explored the possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola, the Barcelona‑born mastermind who has enjoyed immense success with Manchester City. Guardiola was approached and even met with Maldini and Leonardo over a three‑day period in Barcelona, where a bold vision was presented: an "Azzurro project" that would not only revamp the senior national team but also restructure the entire youth and women’s set‑up, creating a unified, long‑term footballing philosophy for Italy. Despite the ambitious proposal and a willingness by the FIGC to stretch its budget to accommodate his salary, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football.
Another strong contender was Andrea Pirlo, the former midfield maestro who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and later turned to coaching. Pirlo had been the frontrunner after Guardiola’s refusal, but his candidacy collapsed when concerns emerged about his role as a global ambassador for the Russian betting company Fonbet.
Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, several FIGC officials and politicians objected to his potential appointment, arguing that the association with a Russian firm could be politically sensitive. Pirlo defended his commercial relationship in a candid Instagram post, emphasizing that his work with Fonbet was purely commercial and sporting, and that he had never expressed any political stance. He also clarified that he was in the process of terminating his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he was managing at the time, in order to take up the national team job.
Ultimately, the federation decided not to pursue his appointment further. With the shortlist narrowed, the FIGC turned back to Mancini, whose previous success with the Azzurri made him an attractive option despite his recent exit from Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday, the federation announced that talks with Pirlo, Maldini and Leonardo would not continue, and that Mancini would be re‑appointed as head coach. The decision signals a desire for stability and a return to a familiar, proven methodology as Italy looks to rebuild its international standing. Mancini’s re‑appointment is expected to bring a blend of tactical flexibility and a winning mentality back to the squad. During his first tenure, he favored a pragmatic yet attacking style, often employing a 4‑3‑3 formation that allowed creative players like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa to thrive on the wings while maintaining defensive solidity.
His ability to manage high‑profile personalities and nurture young talent was evident in the way he integrated players such as Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni into the core of the team. Looking ahead, Mancini faces several immediate challenges.
First, he must assess the current pool of Italian talent, many of whom have been performing in top European leagues but have not yet been tested in a cohesive national system. Second, he will need to devise a qualification strategy for the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that Italy can navigate the rigorous European qualifying rounds. Finally, he must work closely with the FIGC’s new technical director—still to be confirmed—to align the senior team’s objectives with the broader developmental plans for youth and women’s football across the country. The re‑appointment also has commercial implications.
Mancini’s name carries significant marketability, and his return is likely to boost sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and viewership figures for the national team’s matches. The FIGC hopes that this renewed interest will translate into greater investment in grassroots programs, stadium upgrades, and coaching education, all of which are essential components of the long‑term "Azzurro project" initially envisioned by Maldini and Leonardo. In summary, Roberto Mancini’s comeback as Italy’s head coach marks a pivotal moment for Italian football.
After a period of disappointment and leadership turnover, the federation is betting on a familiar figure with a proven track record to restore confidence, re‑ignite the nation’s passion for the sport, and guide the Azzurri back onto the world stage. The road ahead will be demanding, but with Mancini at the helm, the hopes of millions of Italian fans may once again be focused on a future filled with triumphs and memorable moments.