Mancini's Return After Three Years:: Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to glory at Euro 2021, returns to the Azzurri bench after controversially leaving in August 2023 to coach the Saudi Arabia national team.
Ranieri as Technical Director:: Claudio Ranieri, the legendary manager who won the Premier League with Leicester City, will serve as technical director and president of Club Italia, sharing responsibility for the national team project.
Why This Matters:: The appointment comes amid a chaotic period for Italian football, with the abrupt exit of Andrea Pirlo's candidacy (due to sponsorship conflicts with Russian betting company Fonbet) and the subsequent resignations of Maldini and Leonardo. Mancini's return provides stability and experience.
Contract Details:: Mancini is expected to sign a **four-year deal worth €2 million per year plus bonuses**, with sights set on the 2030 World Cup.
Youth Development Focus:: A third figure (potentially Gianfranco Zola) will be appointed to coordinate youth national teams, continuing the long-term project originally envisioned by Maldini.
Roberto Mancini's relationship with the Italian national team has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Appointed in 2018 after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Mancini orchestrated a remarkable rebuild that culminated in Italy's Euro 2020 victory in July 2021 — a triumph that united the nation. However, failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a bitter blow, and in August 2023, Mancini stunned Italian football by abruptly resigning to take up a lucrative offer as head coach of Saudi Arabia.
Luciano Spalletti replaced him but stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, leaving the position vacant. The subsequent search turned chaotic when incoming FIGC president Giovanni Malagò (elected just 36 days ago) faced multiple hurdles.
The initial plan was to appoint Andrea Pirlo as head coach, with Paolo Maldini as technical director and Leonardo as advisor. However, Pirlo's existing sponsorship deal with Russian betting company Fonbet — deemed incompatible by political stakeholders — caused the deal to collapse. Malagò stated: *"Andrea Pirlo was chosen as CT, but there was an involution for reasons of opportunity. I take responsibility for stopping the negotiation."*
This led to the resignation of Maldini and Leonardo, plunging the FIGC into crisis. Malagò then turned back to Mancini, whom he had always considered his first choice.
Malagò justified the choice: *"I believed the person who should become CT was Roberto Mancini, for a series of considerations for which I take responsibility."* Despite a public Gazzetta dello Sport poll showing significant opposition from fans due to Mancini's abrupt 2023 departure, Malagò emphasized that Mancini's apologies were taken into account.
> Historical Context: This is not the first time an Italian national team coach has returned after a controversial exit. The move mirrors similar second acts in football management history, where experience and tactical acumen often outweigh past grievances.
Claudio Ranieri, 74, brings decades of experience, including the historic 2016 Premier League title with Leicester City. His role as technical director will involve overseeing the Club Italia project and sharing strategic decisions with Mancini. Ranieri was reportedly en route from Calabria to formalize his commitment.
Why did Andrea Pirlo not become Italy's head coach?
Pirlo's sponsorship contract with Russian betting company Fonbet was deemed politically incompatible. Despite legal clearance, FIGC President Malagò vetoed the appointment, leading to the collapse of the Maldini-Leonardo project.
What happened to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo?
Both resigned from their roles at Club Italia after the Pirlo deal fell through. Malagò described the separation as "consensual" and thanked both for their contributions.
How long is Mancini's contract?
Mancini is expected to sign a four-year contract worth €2 million per year plus bonuses, targeting the 2030 World Cup.
Will Mancini face fan backlash?
A Gazzetta dello Sport poll showed significant fan disapproval due to Mancini's 2023 departure. However, Malagò stated he considered all factors, including Mancini's public apologies.
What about Antonio Conte?
Conte was considered but ultimately not chosen. Malagò acknowledged Conte's outstanding record but noted "the reality of today is not that of yesterday."
For Italian Football Fans:: Mancini's return offers continuity and proven success at the international level. His Euro 2021 victory demonstrates his ability to build a cohesive team.
For Aspiring Coaches:: The saga highlights the importance of off-field factors — sponsorship deals, political relationships, and timing — in major football appointments.
Key Action:: Fans should watch the July 29 press conference for Mancini and Ranieri's initial statements on squad philosophy and upcoming Nations League plans.
Who This Affects Most:: Italian national team players, Serie A clubs (who may see players called up or rested), and the broader Italian football ecosystem preparing for the **2032 European Championship on home soil**.
Do you think Roberto Mancini deserves a second chance with the Azzurri, or should the FIGC have looked elsewhere? Will the Mancini-Ranieri tandem restore Italy to the top of world football?
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