In brief
After the sudden exit of Andrea Pirlo and the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini, the Italian Football Federation has turned again to Roberto Mancini to replace former coach Gennaro Gattuso. Mancini, who guided Italy to an unbeaten run and Euro 2020 glory, is expected to steady a squad that has missed a World Cup finals since 2014. The decision follows controversial ties between Pirlo and a Russian betting firm and comes as the Azzurri prepare for a high‑profile Nations League campaign. With Italy set to face Belgium on 25 September, the new tenure will test Mancini’s return to reign over an evolving football nation.
Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new Italy manager for a second stint, a day after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from serious consideration amid controversy over a betting company linked to Russia and former technical director Paolo Maldini's resignation.
Mancini had earlier led the Azzurri from 2018 until 2023, guiding them through a world‑record 37‑game unbeaten run and a Euro 2020 triumph. After a 2022 World Cup qualification disappointment, Gennaro Gattuso’s contract was terminated in April, leaving Italy unable to make the 2024 tournament.
The FIGC president Giovanni Malago expressed confidence that Mancini would restore stability, while former Premier League champion Claudio Ranieri will step in as part of the technical staff. Maldini and advisor Leonardo had jointly resigned following the decision not to appoint Pirlo.
Mancini’s experience spans club and international football: he won Serie A titles with Inter Milan, a Coppa Italia with Lazio, managed Manchester City to a Premier League title in 2012, and spent periods with Galatasaray, Zenit, Saudi Arabia’s national team, and Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Italy’s next challenge is the UEFA Nations League on 25 September, starting with Belgium, followed by Turkey on the 28th. The appointment of Mancini, seasoned with high‑profile successes and an eye for restructuring, may signal a renewed drive to secure Italy’s spot in future World Cup finals and revitalize a national programme that has struggled to translate recent successes into tournament appearances.
