Mancini returns as Italy’s saviour amid World Cup fallout

Roberto Mancini was named Italy’s new head coach on Tuesday, a decisive step by the Italian federation to halt a crisis that has seen the Azzurri miss World Cup qualification for the third consecutive campaign in recent years and so far.

The appointment was confirmed by Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malago on Tuesday, who also announced Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director. Ranieri steps into the role after Paolo Maldini resigned the previous day, just 16 days after his own appointment.

Mancini, 61, previously guided the Azzurri to the European Championship title in 2021. He shocked many by resigning as Italy coach in August 2023, only to accept the Saudi Arabia national team job two weeks later.

“Time was running out … I believed the person who should become the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini, for a whole list of reasons,” Malago said. He added that a press conference will be held tomorrow with both Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini.

Mancini reinstated As Italy head coach, Ranieri named technical director

The Azzurri’s crisis deepened after they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight tournament. The disappointment prompted the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.

A photograph shows Roberto Mancini watching a match between Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England. The image was captured by Scott Heppell for the Associated Press.

Serie A chairman admits Italy chose Conte, yet Mancini gets the job

The dual appointment of Mancini and Ranieri signals an attempt to revitalize Italy’s national team after the World Cup setback. The federation hopes the new leadership will steer the Azzurri out of the current crisis.

The appointment follows a turbulent period marked by resignations and a recent technical director reshuffle within the federation. These changes underscore the urgency felt by the Italian leadership to reverse the Azzurri’s fortunes.