Italy coach Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell in charge with a four-year contract, vowing to revive the Azzurri’s fortunes after the nation missed the last three World Cups and failed to win a major trophy since the Euro 2020 title, according to an official announcement. Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, steering the squad through a record 37-game unbeaten run.
Roberto Mancini Second Spell Goals and Fan Reconciliation
Mancini acknowledged the need to rebuild trust with supporters following his surprise departure in 2023 to manage a team in Saudi Arabia, which occurred just days after he accepted additional responsibilities for Italy’s Under-21 and Under-20 squads.
“We signed a four-year contract, and I hope I can win an important trophy, or even two, and then stay on beyond that as well, if possible,” Mancini stated during his first media appearance since his reappointment, according to the official transcript.
“I will try to make sure the team is so beautiful and plays so well that the fans fall in love with it, and perhaps forgive me for what happened. That’s what I hope for,” the 61-year-old added.
Did you know? During his first tenure from 2018 to 2023, Mancini led Italy on a three-year unbeaten run spanning 37 games, a record that Spain surpassed earlier this year.
Italian Football Federation Staff Changes and the Pirlo Fiasco
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turned to Mancini after plans to hire Andrea Pirlo collapsed due to Pirlo’s ties with a Russian betting firm. That connection also triggered the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from FIGC roles.
Alongside Mancini’s appointment, FIGC President Giovanni Malago named 74-year-old Claudio Ranieri as technical director. Ranieri will oversee technical operations and elite football development across all national team structures, as confirmed by the federation.
“There are two things I want the most. First, getting Italian fans to fall in love with the national team again. Second, making sure that children like my 12-year-old grandson, who have never seen Italy play at a World Cup, get the chance to do so,” Mancini said.
Upcoming Nations League Fixtures and Squad Development
Mancini expressed confidence that the talent pool among Italian players remains strong enough to build a competitive squad. He urged domestic clubs to increase investments in younger players and grant them more consistent playing time on the pitch.
The manager’s first match back in the dugout will be a Nations League fixture against Belgium on September 25 in Rome. That game will be followed by a home match against Turkey in Bologna on October 5.
“They will be important matches. We’ll immediately get a real measure of our strength and identify the areas where we need to improve. In any case, it will be a difficult group. It will be difficult for us, but it will be difficult for the other teams as well,” Mancini noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Roberto Mancini return as Italy coach?
Roberto Mancini was reappointed under a four-year contract, following his previous tenure from 2018 to 2023.
Why did the initial plan to hire Andrea Pirlo fall through?
Plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo collapsed due to his ties with a Russian betting firm, which also led to the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from FIGC roles.
Who has been appointed as technical director alongside Mancini?
FIGC President Giovanni Malago appointed 74-year-old Claudio Ranieri as technical director to oversee technical operations and elite football development.
What are Mancini’s first matches back in charge?
Mancini’s opening fixtures are a Nations League game against Belgium on September 25 in Rome, followed by a match against Turkey in Bologna on October 5.
Want to stay updated on the latest Azzurri developments and international football news? Subscribe to our daily newsletter or leave a comment below to join the discussion.
Keep reading