Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy’s head coach for a second spell, with the former European Championship winner tasked with rebuilding the Azzurri after another disappointing period for the national team.
Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who departed after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the nation’s third consecutive World Cup absence. His appointment marks a dramatic comeback after previously leading Italy from 2018 to 2023.
During his first tenure, Mancini guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory, ending a long wait for a major international trophy. However, his spell also included the disappointment of missing out on the 2022 World Cup, before he left the role in 2023.
Italy’s coaching search had been surrounded by uncertainty following the collapse of plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo and the departures of technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo. Claudio Ranieri has now been appointed as the new technical director as part of the federation’s restructuring plan.
Mancini now faces the difficult task of restoring confidence in Italian football and building a team capable of returning to the biggest international stage.
