Italy reappoints Mancini as national coach for second stint, ANSA reports

Roberto Mancini will return as the coach of Italy's national football team for a second spell, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò told a federation council meeting on Tuesday, according to ANSA. Mancini, currently a free agent after a spell with Qatar's Al-Sadd, succeeds amid turmoil following the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's expected appointment.

Previous Tenure and Background

Mancini previously guided Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title but also oversaw the team's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before leaving in 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia. He also coached Turkish club Galatasaray during the 2013-14 season. Pirlo had emerged as the leading candidate after Pep Guardiola declined the role, but his appointment was blocked over controversy surrounding his sponsorship of a Russian betting company.

Federation Crisis

The Pirlo saga triggered a crisis within the federation, with Technical Director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo resigning less than three weeks into their roles. Former Leicester City and Roma manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to become the new technical director.