Mancini reinstated As Italy head coach, Ranieri named technical director
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Tuesday that Roberto Mancini will return to the helm of the Azzurri, while veteran manager Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director. The appointments were unveiled ahead of a joint press conference scheduled for 18:00 CET, marking a rapid restructuring of Italy’s national‑team leadership.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò stressed the speed of the decision, citing media pressure and the need for swift action. “Time is short, your curiosity as the media also pushed us to hurry, and I evaluated the person who should become the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini, for a whole list of reasons,” he said.
Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory before failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and resigning in August 2023, briefly managed Saudi Arabia’s national side. His return signals a notable comeback for the coach who previously oversaw the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023.
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The appointment of Ranieri as technical director represents a cultural shift within the FIGC. Until now, the federation president held sole responsibility for the national team’s sporting project. “This is a cultural shift,” Malagò explained, noting that the new statute separates the head coach’s day‑to‑day duties from broader technical oversight traditionally managed by the president.
Ranieri, who accepted the role moments before the announcement, will oversee long‑term development, scouting and youth integration while working closely with Mancini on immediate tactical matters. “The person I share that vision with is Claudio Ranieri, who a few minutes ago guaranteed he would take the role,” Malagò added.
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Public sentiment remains divided; a recent poll showed that more than 80% of Italians doubt Mancini is the right choice. Acknowledging the criticism, Malagò said, “Of course I took that into account. I won’t say what he will talk about, but I assume he’ll discuss this in tomorrow’s press conference.”
The upcoming press conference is expected to address budget constraints, the new technical hierarchy and the roadmap for the Euro 2024 qualifiers. If the duo can translate their combined experience into a coherent plan, Italy could see a swift turnaround in performance and a renewed pipeline of talent for future tournaments.