Roberto Mancini makes a sensational return as new head coach of the Italian national team, after the Italian Football Federation moved away from plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo.
Mancini, who previously guided Italy to European Championship glory in 2021, has signed a new agreement to take charge of the Azzurri once again as the federation seeks stability and renewed success on the international stage.
Reports indicate that Andrea Pirlo had been close to becoming the next Italy coach, but the proposed agreement was reportedly halted before final signatures were completed.
Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò is said to have played a key role in stopping the deal due to concerns surrounding Pirlo’s commercial association with a Russian betting brand.
The development reportedly affected the wider technical project being planned around Pirlo, with former Italy stars Paolo Maldini and Leonardo also stepping away from the federation’s proposed structure after backing the former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder as their preferred coach.
Following the collapse of that plan, the federation turned its attention back to Mancini, who remains one of Italy’s most successful recent managers.
Mancini took charge of Italy in 2018 after the country failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He rebuilt the national team and led them to a memorable European Championship triumph in 2021, defeating England in the final at Wembley.
Under Mancini, Italy also set a world-record unbeaten run, going 37 matches without defeat between 2018 and 2021. However, his tenure ended in 2023 after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and he later accepted the position of head coach of Saudi Arabia.
His expected return comes as Italy looks to strengthen its preparations for future international competitions and restore confidence among supporters after a period of disappointment.
