Mancini Returns as Italy Head Coach After Chaotic Search

The FIGC have gone back to the man they know. After weeks of confusion, political friction and late-night reversals, Roberto Mancini is returning as Azzurri head coach.

His comeback was confirmed via an official post on the FIGC’s social media channels, with Sky Italia reporting that he will be formally presented on Wednesday. Mancini, who left Qatari side Al-Sadd last month after his spell with Saudi Arabia, now steps back into one of the most pressurised roles in world football.

From Gattuso’s Exit to a Managerial Void

This was never meant to be a long saga. Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation in April opened the door to a swift appointment, with several high-profile names quickly pushed to the front of the queue. Those talks went nowhere. One by one, the primary targets fell away, leaving the federation scrambling for a solution as the calendar moved on and time slipped.

The search then took a dramatic twist. Andrea Pirlo, seemingly on the brink of taking the job, saw his appointment blocked at the last possible moment.

Pirlo Blocked, Federation Shaken

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò intervened at the eleventh hour, vetoing Pirlo’s arrival because of his ambassadorial role with a Russian betting company. It was a brutal, public U-turn that sent shockwaves through the federation.

The fallout was immediate. Technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo both resigned on the spot, walking away after just 16 days in their positions. Two major figures, gone in an instant, leaving a leadership vacuum right when Italy needed clarity.

The message was unmistakable: the federation was in open turmoil, and the clock was ticking.

Malagò Turns to Mancini – and Brings Ranieri with Him

Under growing pressure, Malagò moved decisively. Facing the media on Tuesday, he laid out the logic behind the return to Mancini and revealed another heavyweight addition to the national-team structure: Claudio Ranieri.

“Time was running out and I thought the right person to be coach was Roberto Mancini. He's the best possible choice,” Malagò said, underlining both the urgency and the faith placed in the 59-year-old.

Malagò also stressed that the role of technical director remains central to the project. To reinforce that, the FIGC approved an amendment to the statute that allows another figure to also serve as president of Club Italia. That person will be Ranieri, the legendary former Leicester City boss, who has signed on as technical director.

“I needed someone to share the choice of Roberto Mancini as coach, and that person is Claudio Ranieri, who signed his commitment a few minutes ago,” Malagò explained.

So Italy will be led by Mancini on the touchline, with Ranieri shaping the broader technical framework above him. Two seasoned coaches, one trying to restore order after weeks of chaos, the other tasked with giving the project structure and credibility.

Mancini now walks back into Coverciano with expectation, scrutiny and an impatient football nation waiting to see if this return can steady the Azzurri or simply mark the start of another turbulent chapter.