Italy turns to familiar face, appoints Mancini after global snubs

Italy have turned to former boss Roberto Mancini, 61, to steer the Azzurri after snubbing high‑profile candidates; neither Pep Guardiola, nor Carlo Ancelotti, nor Andrea Pirlo accepted the role. Mancini returns four years after his 2022 dismissal, having won the Euro 2020 title in 2021.

Mancini managed the Italian side from 2018 to 2022. He guided the Italian side to the Euro 2020 title, which was contested in 2021. He was dismissed a year later after a loss to North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup playoff.

His most recent job was as head coach of Al‑Sadd in Qatar. He left that position earlier this year.

Italy also appointed former coach Claudio Ranieri and former defender Gabriele Oriali to the staff. They replace Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who stepped down after the federation rejected Andrea Pirlo.

Mancini returns as Italy’s saviour amid World Cup fallout

The federation declined to hire Andrea Pirlo because of his contracts with Russian betting companies.

Earlier, the federation approached Pep Guardiola, who turned down the job. It also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, who remains with the Brazil national team.

Italië’s coaching saga ends as Mancini returns amid failed Pirlo deal

Mancini’s mission is to guide Italy back to the World Cup in 2030 after three consecutive absences. The first hurdle will be to chase the European Championship title in 2028.

The appointment marks a move away from the earlier attempts to hire Guardiola, Ancelotti or Pirlo, and places Mancini in charge of Italy’s bid for the 2030 World Cup and Euro 2028.