Mancini returns as Italy head coach as Ranieri named technical director

The Italian Football Federation has appointed Roberto Mancini as head coach for a second time, president Giovanni Malagò confirmed on Tuesday. The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Claudio Ranieri, the 74-year-old former Leicester City and Roma manager, has been named technical director, taking over from Paolo Maldini who resigned on Monday after Andrea Pirlo pulled out of the running over links to a Russian betting company.

The appointment ends 16 days of turmoil that saw the federation approach Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, both of whom declined the role. Guardiola turned down the position citing a lack of readiness, according to reports cited by Yahoo Sports, while Ancelotti remains under contract with Brazil. The Guardian reported that financial 'exceptions' had been prepared to lure Guardiola, but the former Manchester City coach ultimately refused.

Mancini previously led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 but resigned in 2023 after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. His return comes with the Azzurri at a historic low — three successive World Cup absences, a streak unmatched in the nation's footballing history. The BBC's analysis described the past 16 days as 'chaos' that consumed Italian football, with Maldini and Leonardo both resigning during the search.

Sky Sports reported that Mancini's appointment was confirmed just a day after Pirlo ruled himself out following controversy over his links to a Russian betting company. The Guardian's Rome correspondent noted that the federation moved quickly to restore stability, with Ranieri's appointment as technical director adding experienced oversight to the technical staff.

The foreign press coverage has emphasised the crisis at the FIGC and the unusual circumstances of Mancini's return. The BBC called it a 'reset' for Italian football, while the Guardian framed it as a 'new era' following the implosion of the previous leadership structure. Mancini will now be tasked with rebuilding a squad that has missed three World Cups and faces a long road back to competitiveness.

His first matches will be in September's European Championship qualifiers. The immediate priority, according to the Guardian, is to restore a coherent playing identity and end the cycle of failure that has seen Italy fall behind European rivals. The federation has not yet announced Mancini's contract length, but the president suggested a long-term project is envisioned.