Roberto Mancini has officially been appointed to lead the Italy national football team for a second stint. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that Mancini is expected to restore the competitive edge of the Azzurri after the team failed to qualify for the last three World Cups.
As part of the structural changes, Claudio Ranieri has taken over the role of technical director. He replaces Roberto Maldini, who reportedly considered stepping down following the selection of the new head coach. Malago indicated that further details will be shared during an upcoming press conference featuring both Mancini and Ranieri.
Mancini, 61, previously managed the squad from 2018 to 2023, during which time he guided Italy to victory at Euro 2020. The Italian football authorities selected him over Antonio Conte for the position. Reports suggested that Maldini had expressed a preference for former midfielder Thiago Motta to lead the team.
