In brief
On Monday, Roberto Mancini was confirmed as Italy’s head coach for a second stint, following the abrupt withdrawal of Andrea Pirlo after a betting‑company link came to light. Paoli Maldini had resigned as technical director, and Claudio Ranieri was named his replacement. The former Euro 2020 winner, who built a record‑breaking 37‑game unbeaten run, had previously steered the Azzurri to the 2020 title but fell short of the 2022 World Cup. The reshuffle comes after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure and a brief caretaker spell by Silvio Baldini. Italy’s Nations League campaign kicks off on 25 September against Belgium.
Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as Italy manager for a second time after a day of turmoil led to Andrea Pirlo stepping down and technical director Paolo Maldini resigning.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) quickly moved to call Mancini back to the helm, following the image of his previous tenure – a run that culminated in the Euro 2020 triumph and a record 37‑game unbeaten streak.
Pirlo, who had been the front‑liner for the cap‑ble appointment, withdrew on Monday after revelations linked him to a Russian betting company. Piet multiple professional leagues appeared to cast doubt on his candidacy, prompting FIGC president Giovanni Malago to endorse Mancini as the best fit.
Maldini, appointed just two weeks ago, had already stepped down as technical director along with adviser Leonardo and he was replaced by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri. The change follows Gennaro Gattuso’s exit in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for three successive World Cups, resulting in a short‑term caretaker stint by Under‑21 manager Silvio Baldini.
Mancini previously guided Italy from 2018 to 2023, securing the Euro 2020 title at Wembley against England. Despite a strong home performance, the Azzurri missed out on the 2022 World Cup, losing as a play‑off to North Macedonia and the subsequent resignation in August 2023. In the past and present, Mancini remains a key figure in Italian football, having also held club coaching roles with Manchester City, Lazio, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Zenit, and a national stint with Saudi Arabia before moving to Al Sadd in Qatar.
Italy’s first Nations League match is set for 25 September, facing Belgium at home, followed by a trip to Turkey three days later. The appointment echoes a return to Mancini’s familiar managerial style and a push to re‑establish Italy as a serious contender in international football after a long period of absence from World Cup finals.
