Roberto Mancini returns to rescue Italy after three World Cup mistakes in a row

Roberto Mancini (AP Photo) Roberto Mancini has been tasked with the daunting task of rebuilding Italy, with the former European Championship-winning coach returning to the Azzurri dugout as the four-time world champions look to end their alarming World Cup drought.Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò confirmed Mancini’s appointment as Italy’s new head coach on Tuesday, while former Italy midfielder Claudio Ranieri was named the federation’s new technical director.The decision comes after a turbulent period for Italian football, with the national team failing to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups. The crisis deepened after former coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned in April following Italy’s latest qualification failure.

Mancini returns three years after a dramatic exit

Mancini’s return marks a surprise return almost three years after he quit the national team in August 2023. The 61-year-old led Italy to European glory in 2021 but unexpectedly resigned before taking charge of Saudi Arabia just two weeks later.Malagò acknowledged Mancini’s controversial departure but said all factors were considered before bringing him back.“It is clear that all the necessary evaluations have been carried out,” Malagò said when asked about Mancini’s departure. “I’ve certainly taken that into consideration; I’m aware of his recent apology and obviously everyone has done their due diligence.”The FIGC boss explained his decision, saying that time was the main factor in Mancini’s selection.“Time was running out… I believed that the person who should become the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini, for a number of reasons,” said Malagò.Mancini and Ranieri are expected to address the media together at their official launch.

The man who revived Italy gets another rescue mission

Mancini’s first stint as Italy coach began in 2018 after the Azzurri suffered the humiliation of missing out on the World Cup in Russia. He inherited a team in search of an identity and transformed it by blending veteran players with emerging talent.Under Mancini, Italy became one of Europe’s most attractive teams, producing a remarkable 37-game unbeaten run, a world record at the time.The revival reached its peak at Euro 2020, where Italy beat England on penalties at Wembley to lift the trophy and restore national pride.However, the heart from the World Cup returned soon after. Italy suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat against North Macedonia in the 2022 play-off semi-finals and missed out on the tournament in Qatar.Despite the setback, Mancini remained in charge before his sudden resignation in 2023. After leaving Saudi Arabia in 2024, he last managed Qatari club Al-Sadd before leaving last month.

Mancini does not have an easy road ahead

Mancini’s return comes after Italy explored several options, including Andrea Pirlo, while big names such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached but turned down the opportunity. Another candidate was former Italian coach Antonio Conte.The new coach will face an immediate challenge as Italy face Belgium, Turkey and France in the Nations League.Malagò warned that Mancini would have limited time to prepare the team.“The new coach will have two training sessions to prepare for the first game,” he said.He added that Italy cannot expect an immediate transformation against some of Europe’s strongest sides.