Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the head coach of Italy’s national football team for a second stint. His mission is to breathe new life into the Azzurri, who have failed to qualify for the last three World Cups, as confirmed by FIGC president Giovanni Malago on Tuesday.
Event Context
Paolo Maldini, the technical director who reportedly indicated he would resign if Roberto Mancini was appointed, has been succeeded by Claudio Ranieri. Gennaro Gattuso stepped down as Italy’s head coach following their defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualification play-off final in March. Mancini, who previously managed the Italian national team from 2018 to 2023, guided them to victory in Euro 2020. He stated the importance of making the most of their resources while also maintaining their European ranking amidst tough competition from teams like Turkey, Belgium, and France, acknowledging that finishing fourth in the group is a realistic expectation. Despite his success, including the Euro 2020 win and a record 37-match unbeaten streak, Mancini’s return has sparked mixed reactions. His sudden resignation in the summer of 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia reportedly diminished his reputation among several senior officials at the FIGC, especially as the Azzurri struggled during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has not qualified for the tournament since 2014 and last reached the knockout stage in 2006, when they triumphed over France in the final. Their only notable success in recent years was the European Championship victory over England, which was also decided by penalties five years ago.
Player Focus
Following Italy’s elimination by Bosnia in the playoffs, it appears that we haven’t issued passports to players like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane. Are we seriously considering this situation?
Team Analysis
I strongly believe that Roberto Mancini is the ideal choice to lead the Italian national football team, a view I stand by with full accountability. He was favored over former national team coach Antonio Conte. Paolo Maldini even suggested he would resign if Conte were appointed, as he preferred Brazil-born ex-Italy midfielder Thiago Motta for the role. Andrea Pirlo, another candidate for the coach position, announced on Monday that he would no longer pursue the opportunity after facing backlash over his controversial associations with a Russian sports-betting firm and concerns about his coaching experience. Mancini’s inaugural match as head coach will be a Nations League clash against Belgium on September 25, which also features Turkey and France in the group. “The new coach will have just two training sessions to prepare for the opening match,” stated Malago, in response to issues raised by journalists about the potential for Italy to seek a new coach if relegated in the Nations League. Mancini resigned from his Saudi Arabian position after just 14 months. His most recent role was with Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he signed a two-year contract last November. He now shifts his focus to restoring Italy to prominence in international football. The team’s title defense, led by Luciano Spalletti, ended in the last-16 of the 2024 tournament after a defeat to Switzerland. Prior to this, Mancini secured three consecutive Serie A championships with Inter Milan from 2005 to 2008 and famously guided Manchester City to their first English league title in 44 years with a dramatic final-day win over QPR during the 2011-12 Premier League season.
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Malago announced to reporters, “We now have a new coach and a new technical director,” and revealed that a press conference featuring Mancini and Ranieri is scheduled for Wednesday.
