Mancini’s second chance: steering Italy’s Azzurri out of chaos

Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time, a day after Andrea Pirlo ruled himself out of the running and FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini resigned, placing the Azzurri under new leadership as the federation seeks stability.

Mancini returns amid a chaotic period for the Italian football association, with the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini adding to the turmoil.

Gennaro Gattuso left the role in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup, ending his brief tenure at the helm.

Andrea Pirlo had appeared set to enter the dugout, but withdrew following controversial ties to a Russian betting company, removing another high‑profile candidate.

Mancini re‑enters the fray alongside Claudio Ranieri as technical director, while FIGC President Giovanni Malago opened today’s unveiling press conference.

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Malago said, “The spotlight today must be entirely on Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri. I’m very happy, and I think they are too. We all feel the weight of this responsibility, also due to the three World Cups we failed to qualify for. It’s been 20 years since we played a knockout match at the World Cup.”

Mancini then recalled a lack of communication with former federation president Gravina three years ago, adding, “The national team shirt is everything to me, like the woman in your life that you lose.”

He expressed regret at leaving Italy, gratitude for the opportunity to return, and noted that after his first stint he coached Saudi Arabia and Al‑Sadd in Qatar.

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Mancini also referenced the Euro 2020 victory over England and the Azzurri’s world‑record 37‑game unbeaten run under his guidance, highlighting past successes.

Acknowledging the World Cup qualification failure at the hands of North Macedonia, Mancini said the aim is to field a proactive team, give confidence to the players, and strive to do well as a goal for the Azzurri.