Roberto Mancini Reinstated as Italy Head Coach
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed today that Roberto Mancini will take the helm of the Azzurri for a second stint, a decision reached after Andrea Pirlo stepped aside from the role following a betting‑company controversy.
Gennaro Gattuso, who had been in charge but lost the 2022 World Cup qualification, has left the job, while FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Mancini was “the best person” to lead the team.
With the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini, the FIGC appointed former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri to replace him. Maldini had been in the role for just two weeks before stepping down.
Mancini, a 61‑year‑old former Italy coach, guided the national side to a victory at Euro 2020 and set a world record 37‑game unbeaten run. He had previously resigned after the 2022 World Cup failure and a brief tenure in Saudi Arabia before joining Al Sadd in Qatar.
The Azzurri will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign on 25 September, hosting Belgium before travelling to Turkey three days later.
Sources: BBC Sport, FIGC statements, press releases.
