Roberto Mancini has once again taken the reins of the Italian national football team, marking his return to the role after a brief hiatus. The seasoned manager, who previously guided Italy to triumph at Euro 2020, is stepping back into the Azzurri’s dugout following a disappointing campaign that saw the squad miss out on qualification for a third consecutive World Cup.
Mancini's second spell as Italy boss arrives amid a period of turbulence within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Just 16 days after being named technical director, former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini resigned from his newly created position, prompting the federation to look for a swift replacement.
Claudio Ranieri, the veteran coach known for his surprise Premier League title with Leicester City, is now being tipped to assume the technical director role, tasked with steering the federation through a comprehensive restructuring. The upheaval began when the FIGC announced Maldini and his close advisor, Leonardo, as part of a broad overhaul aimed at revitalising Italian football after the national side failed to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, both Maldini and Leonardo walked away from their appointments just over two weeks later, citing disagreements over the federation’s direction and the controversial involvement of Andrea Pirlo in the coaching search. Pirlo, a former World Cup champion in 2006 and one of Italy’s most celebrated midfielders, had emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso after Pep Guardiola declined the offer.
Yet his candidacy was abruptly withdrawn after concerns were raised about his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet. The partnership, which Pirlo described as purely commercial and sporting, sparked criticism from several FIGC officials and politicians given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a candid Instagram post, Pirlo defended his relationship with the bookmaker, emphasizing that he had always acted within the legal frameworks of the countries where he worked and that the collaboration carried no political connotations.
He also noted 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 anticipation of taking the Italian job. Meanwhile, the federation’s pursuit of Guardiola had been an ambitious venture. The FIGC had reportedly prepared a special budgetary package to entice the Manchester City mastermind, hoping he would become the centerpiece of an "Azzurro project" designed to rebuild Italian football from the grassroots up to the senior national team. Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona presenting a vision that extended beyond a traditional coaching appointment, envisaging a holistic transformation of the national setup.
Despite the allure, Guardiola turned down the proposal for personal reasons unrelated to football, leaving the federation to continue its search. Other high‑profile names were also floated. Carlo Ancelotti, another Italian coaching icon, was approached but declined due to his existing commitment as head coach of the Brazil national team.
With these options exhausted, the FIGC turned back to Mancini, whose previous tenure from 2018 to 2023 had been marked by a blend of tactical discipline and an attacking flair that culminated in the Euro 2020 victory. After resigning in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia’s national side, Mancini spent a little over a year in Riyadh before parting ways following a series of lackluster results in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle. Mancini’s reappointment is seen as a stabilising move, offering the Azzurri a familiar leader with a proven track record on the international stage.
His experience, both domestically in Serie A and abroad, equips him to navigate the challenges of rebuilding a squad that has recently struggled to find consistency. The federation hopes that his tactical acumen and ability to inspire players will help Italy regain its status among Europe’s elite and secure a place in the upcoming World Cup.
The news of Mancini’s return was accompanied by a series of promotional messages from Sky Sports, encouraging fans to download their app, follow their WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates, and engage with interactive features such as the Transfer Centre LIVE and Super 6 competition, where participants can win up to £250,000. While these commercial elements are peripheral to the core story, they underscore the broader media interest surrounding the coaching saga.
In summary, Roberto Mancini’s comeback as Italy’s head coach marks a pivotal moment for a nation eager to restore its footballing prestige. After a period of administrative turnover, controversial candidate selections, and missed qualification targets, the Azzurri now look to a familiar figure to guide them back to the world stage. The coming months will reveal whether Mancini can replicate his earlier success and steer Italy toward a new era of competitive excellence.