Roberto Mancini is set to return as Italy’s national team head coach after Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò confirmed that the former European Championship-winning manager is poised to take charge once again.
Speaking after a FIGC board meeting, Malagò revealed that Mancini has been chosen to lead the Azzurri, with only the formal signing of his contract remaining.
“I am speaking to Mancini because he is the new coach. We are now waiting for him to sign,” Malagò said.
Mancini’s return comes three years after his controversial resignation from the national team. The 61-year-old stepped down in 2023 following disagreements with the previous FIGC leadership before quickly accepting a lucrative coaching role with Saudi Arabia.
During his first spell in charge, Mancini guided Italy to UEFA Euro 2020 glory in 2021, ending the country’s 53-year wait for a European Championship title and restoring the national team’s reputation on the international stage.
His appointment follows a turbulent few days within the Italian federation. Andrea Pirlo, initially considered for the role, was dropped from the shortlist after concerns emerged over his position as a global ambassador for a Russian betting company. The situation also led to the resignations of technical director Paolo Maldini and strategic advisor Leonardo Araujo, who had only recently been appointed.
Former Napoli coach Antonio Conte was also linked with the vacancy, with ex-Italy manager Fabio Capello publicly stating he believed Conte was the stronger candidate. Capello also criticised Mancini’s decision to leave Italy for Saudi Arabia in 2023, describing the move as disappointing despite acknowledging his coaching ability.
Meanwhile, Juventus executive Giorgio Chiellini has ruled himself out of replacing Maldini as the federation’s technical director, confirming he intends to remain with the Turin club. Reports now suggest veteran coach Claudio Ranieri is the leading candidate to fill the vacant technical director position.
Mancini’s expected return marks a significant new chapter for the Italian national team as the federation looks to restore stability and build towards future international competitions.
