Roberto Mancini returns as Italy manager for a second stint following the Pirlo controversy

Roberto Mancini returned as Italy coach for a second term after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed his appointment on Tuesday, ending a turbulent search for a new head coach. Andrea Pirlo withdrew from the dispute and technical director Paolo Maldini resign.

Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup. The four-time world champions have not appeared at the tournament since Brazil 2014, extending one of the darkest periods in the country’s footballing history.

Pirlo had emerged as the favorite to take over before stepping down on Monday amid controversy over his links to a Russian betting company. The decision sparked further upheaval within the federation, with Maldini and adviser Leonardo stepping down after the FIGC decided against the former Juventus midfielder’s appointment.

“I believed that the best person to become head coach is Roberto Mancini,” FIGC president Giovanni Malago said after the announcement.

Former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been named Italy’s new technical director, replacing Maldini.

Mancini returns to familiar territory after a successful first stint in charge from 2018 to 2023. He led Italy to the postponed Euro 2020 titlebeat England on penalties in the final at Wembley and oversaw a world record 37-match unbeaten run.

However, his tenure was also marked by a shock failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup following a play-off defeat to North Macedonia. Mancini resigned in August 2023 before taking charge of Saudi Arabia and later Qatari club Al Sadd.

The 61-year-old left Al Sadd in June after leading the club to the Qatar Stars League title. Despite the domestic success, the club failed to reach the final four of the AFC Champions League Elite and lost the final of the Qatar Cup.

One of Italy’s most decorated coaches, Mancini also enjoyed a successful club career. He led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012, won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and lifted the Coppa Italia with both Inter and Lazio. His managerial career also included stints at Galatasaray and Zenit St. Petersburg.

Italy opened their UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium on 25 September and traveled to Turkey three days later, where Mancini was tasked with restoring the Azzurri’s fortunes after years of disappointment on the international stage.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

28 Jul 2026 20:09 IST