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Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as Italy’s head coach following Andrea Pirlo’s withdrawal from the race and the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Mancini’s return just days after Pirlo stepped aside amid controversy surrounding his reported links to a Russian betting company.
Mancini begins second spell
FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Mancini was the preferred choice to lead the Azzurri.
“I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini.”
The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Mancini previously managed Italy between 2018 and 2023, guiding the national team to the UEFA Euro 2020 title after defeating England in the final at Wembley.
He also oversaw a record 37-match unbeaten run but resigned in 2023 after Italy missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Federation reshuffle follows controversy
Pirlo had emerged as the frontrunner for the job before pulling out of the process on Monday.
His withdrawal was followed by the resignations of technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo after the federation opted against appointing the former midfielder.
Veteran coach Claudio Ranieri has now been named as Italy’s new technical director.
Before settling on Mancini, the FIGC also held talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti over the vacant position.
Mancini returns to the national team after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd in June. He previously coached Saudi Arabia following his first spell with Italy and has also enjoyed successful managerial stints with Manchester City, Inter Milan, Lazio, Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg.
His first competitive match back in charge will be Italy’s UEFA Nations League opener against Belgium on September 25, before the Azzurri travel to face Turkey three days later.