Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Italy’s new technical director and president of Club Italia, replacing Paolo Maldini following his resignation on Monday.
The move forms part of a major restructuring of the Italian national team, with Roberto Mancini returning as head coach after the failed move for Andrea Pirlo and the departures of Maldini and Leonardo.
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò confirmed the appointments following a frantic period behind the scenes. Mancini and Ranieri are expected to be officially presented during a joint press conference on Wednesday at 18:20.
Ranieri chosen to lead Italy’s rebuild
Malagò considered several candidates for the technical-director position but insisted Giorgio Chiellini had never been approached.
The FIGC president said he did not want to recruit individuals currently working for Serie A clubs out of respect for the organisations that supported his election.
Ranieri emerged as the preferred candidate due to his experience, balance and ability to manage difficult environments.
The 74-year-old has enjoyed a long managerial career across Italy and abroad, coaching clubs including Roma, Inter, Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea.
His greatest achievement came in 2016, when he led Leicester City to one of the most remarkable Premier League title triumphs in football history.
Ranieri will now take on a broader role within the national-team structure.
He is expected to work alongside Maurizio Viscidi on Italy’s youth development system, helping to strengthen the pathway between the junior national sides and the senior team.
Claudio Ranieri è il nuovo Direttore Tecnico FIGC e Presidente del Club Italia 💙🇮🇹#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/55ObGmiAfk
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) July 28, 2026
His appointment comes at a critical moment for Italian football, following three consecutive failures to qualify for the World Cup.
Ranieri had already left the door open to a potential FIGC role after leaving Roma.
“In 2025 I said no because I was working with Roma and could not do two jobs,” he said in May.
“Now I am free, so never say never. As a director or coach? I do not know. When the national team calls, you have to say yes.”
Oriali set for return
Lele Oriali is also expected to return to the national-team set-up and take up the position of team manager.
Oriali previously worked closely with Mancini and was considered an important figure in the dressing room during Italy’s Euro 2020 success.
His return would provide Mancini with another trusted and experienced figure during the rebuilding process.
Malagò also confirmed that another senior appointment is expected by the end of the week.
The new figure would work across Italy’s various national teams in a role previously held by Gigi Riva and Gianluigi Buffon.
Former Chelsea and Italy forward Gianfranco Zola is reportedly among the candidates being considered.
