Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Coach Amid National Team Crisis

Roberto Mancini is set to return as the coach of Italy’s national football team, the Azzurri, nearly three years after he stepped down to manage Saudi Arabia’s national team. This move comes after the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, prompting the resignation of former coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina in April.

Mancini, 61, previously led the Azzurri to the European Championship title in 2021 (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but referred to as Euro 2020) and holds a record of 37 unbeaten games between 2018 and 2021. However, his sudden resignation in August 2023 to take over Saudi Arabia’s team raised eyebrows, especially given the team’s subsequent failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2022 after a shocking 1-0 loss to North Macedonia.

The decision to reappoint Mancini was announced by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò, who also revealed that Claudio Ranieri would take on the role of technical director following Paolo Maldini’s resignation the previous day, just 16 days after his appointment. Malagò justified the choice of Mancini, citing a “whole list of reasons” and acknowledging the evaluations made regarding Mancini’s past actions, including his recent apologies.

The appointment follows the dropping of Andrea Pirlo as the leading candidate due to political concerns over his sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm, leading to the departures of Maldini and special adviser Leonardo in what Malagò described as a “mutual consent” decision. Notably, high-profile coaches Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti had previously declined offers to coach the team, and former Italy coach Antonio Conte was also in contention.

Mancini’s first stint as Italy’s coach began after the team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. He revitalized the team, bringing in younger players and a more dynamic style, culminating in the Euro 2020 victory. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Mancini most recently coached Al-Sadd in Qatar in 2024. His managerial career also includes successful stints at Manchester City and Inter Milan, where he won league titles.

The challenge ahead for Mancini will be to reverse the team’s fortunes, especially given the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. His return is met with a mix of relief and skepticism among fans, given his past success but also his sudden departure three years ago.

A press conference with Mancini and Ranieri is scheduled for the next day to address the team’s future strategy and the expectations surrounding Mancini’s second tenure.