A familiar face returns to stabilize a shaken squad, but questions over past departures and short preparation time will test his ability to rebuild.
Roberto Mancini has once again been tasked with reviving Italy’s troubled national team, almost three years after he left the national side.
The president of the Italian Football Federation, Giovanni Malagò, announced Mancini’s appointment as the team’s new coach on Tuesday, adding that Claudio Ranieri would become the new technical director after Paolo Maldini left the post the day before – just 16 days after his appointment.
Time was closing in… I believed that the person who should become Italy’s new coach was Roberto Mancini, for a whole host of reasons. A press conference with both – Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini – would take place tomorrow.
– Giovanni Malagò
Context of the appointment and Mancini’s past
The 61-year-old Mancini led the national team and guided it to the Euro 2021 title, but in August 2023 he unexpectedly stepped down, after which he led the Saudi Arabia national team for two weeks.
Obviously, all the necessary assessments were made, – said Malagò, responding to questions about Mancini’s sudden departure three years ago. – I certainly took that into account; I acknowledge his latest apologies, and, obviously, everyone made the appropriate evaluations.
– Giovanni Malagò
Societal and Organizational Context and Implications
The Italy national team is now going through a crisis after losing a third consecutive chance to qualify for the World Cup, which led to the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso in April, shortly before the playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The first period of Mancini at the helm began immediately after the team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, losing to Sweden in the playoff.
He revitalized the Azzurri, adding shine and youth to a squad that captivated the continent during Euro 2020, which took place a year later – a victory over England in the final at Wembley Stadium after a penalty shootout.
Between 2018 and 2021 Mancini led Italy to a world-record 37-match unbeaten run.
However, a 1-0 defeat in the semi-final playoff against the 67th-ranked North Macedonia at home in 2022 meant the Azzurri would again miss the World Cup.
Nevertheless, Mancini remained in the post until the unexpected resignation in August 2023. He left Saudi Arabia in 2024 and most recently led Al-Sadd in Qatar, before stepping down last month.
Mancini had previously also managed Inter, AC Milan and Manchester City, winning league titles.
Luciano Spalletti replaced Mancini in 2023, but was sacked two years later after Italy lost their opening World Cup qualifier to Norway. Earlier Ranieri, known for guiding the unlikely Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016, declined the offer to lead the Azzurri, and Gattuso was hired instead.
Ranieri’s last role was as a special adviser at AS Roma, after moving into that role following the club’s crisis. The 74-year-old Ranieri left the post in April after a clash with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
The appointment came a day after Andrea Pirlo was ruled out of consideration for the role due to political concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm.
This led to the resignations of Malagò and the special advisor Leonardo, as Malagò stressed, by mutual consent.
Almost even before we started, we faced a unique situation. There was no conflict. With respect, as in the best of families, there was a calm discussion and a clear, balanced, consensus decision to part ways on amicable terms.
– Giovanni Malagò
Subsequent statements regarding leadership confirmed that Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti declined to consider leading the national team. Also mentioned was former Italy coach Antonio Conte.
The next Italy matches are planned for September and October, against Belgium, Turkey and France in the UEFA Nations League.
The new coach will have two training sessions before the first match, as scheduled. And from the moment of the Bosnia game onward, there is no need to compare the squad with anyone.
Italy will play its next matches against Belgium, Turkey and France in September and October.
All changes in leadership are aimed at restoring the Italy national team’s competitiveness in future tournaments.