Key Takeaways:
- Roberto Mancini was unveiled as Italy’s new coach
- Claudio Ranieri has been named the new technical director, succeeding Paolo Maldini, who stepped down just 16 days into the position
- Italy will return to action in September and October against Belgium, Turkiye, and France in the Nations League
Mancini Returns to Lead Troubled Azzurri
Roberto Mancini has been recalled to lead the Italian national side after a turbulent period which culminated in Italy missing out on a third successive World Cup. The announcement came from Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò. Joining Mancini in this new chapter will be Claudio Ranieri, appointed as technical director the day after Paolo Maldini resigned from the role merely 16 days after his appointment.
Roberto Mancini è il nuovo Commissario Tecnico della Nazionale 🇮🇹💙#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/PioBpZX6TS
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) July 28, 2026
Mancini, aged 61, famously guided the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory in 2021, capturing the continent’s admiration with an unbeaten streak and a memorable final victory over England at Wembley via penalty shootout. He unexpectedly stepped down from his position in August 2023, shortly before taking charge of Saudi Arabia’s national team within two weeks.
Malagò explained, “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,” adding that a press conference featuring both Mancini and Ranieri would take place the following day.
Turmoil and Leadership Changes
The Italian national team has faced a challenging period, having failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. This disappointment led to the resignations of both FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.
Mancini’s earlier tenure began after Italy’s failure to reach the 2018 World Cup, following a playoff defeat to Sweden. Under his stewardship, the squad was rejuvenated with youthful energy and attacking flair, culminating in a world-record 37-match unbeaten sequence from 2018 to 2021. Nonetheless, a shock 1-0 defeat at home to North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup playoff semifinals resulted in another missed qualification, though Mancini remained in charge until his departure in August 2023.
After leaving the Saudi Arabia role in 2024, Mancini most recently managed Al-Sadd in Qatar, departing the club last month. His distinguished coaching career also includes league titles with Inter and Manchester City.
Recent Developments and Upcoming Fixtures
The decision to bring Mancini back follows Andrea Pirlo’s removal from the list of candidates for Italy’s managerial position owing to political concerns linked to a sponsorship arrangement with a Russian betting company. Prior to Mancini’s reappointment, offers to coach the Azzurri had been declined by both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian national team is scheduled to return to the pitch in September and October for Nations League encounters against Belgium, Turkiye, and France.
