Roberto Mancini has officially been reappointed as head coach of the Italian national football team, marking a return to the role he previously held with notable success.
The Italian Football Federation confirmed the decision on Tuesday, announcing a major reshuffle in the national team’s technical leadership. The move comes in the wake of Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, following a challenging spell for the Azzurri that saw inconsistent performances and growing pressure on the team’s management.
Alongside Mancini’s return, the federation also confirmed the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as Technical Director. Ranieri steps into the position previously held by Paolo Maldini, as part of a broader effort to restructure the national team setup and strengthen long-term planning.
Mancini is no stranger to the role, having managed Italy between 2018 and 2023. During his first tenure, he delivered one of the country’s most celebrated modern achievements by leading the team to victory at the UEFA European Championship in 2020, a tournament that was played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Italy also enjoyed a remarkable 37-match unbeaten streak, setting a new national record and restoring confidence in the squad during that period.
However, his previous spell ended in 2023, after which Italy entered a phase of instability and underperformance. The national team has since faced significant setbacks, most notably failing to qualify for two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, a rare and disappointing outcome for a footballing nation of Italy’s stature.
Now 61 years old, Mancini returns with the responsibility of rebuilding a team that has struggled to maintain consistency on the international stage. The Italian Football Federation has expressed confidence that his prior experience, tactical knowledge, and established relationships within the squad will be key factors in stabilising the team and guiding it back to competitiveness.
His immediate focus is expected to be on restoring confidence within the squad, integrating emerging talent, and preparing Italy for upcoming international fixtures as the team looks to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite.
