Italy names Roberto Mancini as national team coach

Roberto Mancini has been named coach of the Italian national football team, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò announced during a federal council meeting held in Rome on Tuesday.

"Roberto Mancini is the coach of the national team," Malagò said, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. "I am speaking with Roberto Mancini because he will be the new coach," he added, noting that the appointment awaited Mancini's contract signature.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Mancini has agreed to take the position. The 61-year-old will return to lead the Azzurri for a second stint after previously serving as coach from 2018 to 2023.

During his first tenure, Mancini compiled a record of 37 victories, 15 draws, and nine defeats across 61 official matches. He led Italy to victory at the 2020 European Championship, defeating England at Wembley. However, the team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Mancini departed the position in 2023 amid controversy.

The appointment comes after a period of significant upheaval within Italian football's leadership. Technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo resigned earlier in the day, following the federation's decision not to pursue Andrea Pirlo as coach. The federation had previously pursued Pep Guardiola, who declined the position, and also considered Thiago Motta.

Malagò indicated that Claudio Ranieri was expected to be named as the new technical director, though this was not formally announced during the council meeting.

Former coach Fabio Capello commented on the recent turmoil, describing the situation as "a great mess." He suggested that the federation's rejection of Pirlo involved scrutiny of matters beyond football performance.

Giancarlo Abete, president of the Italian Football League (LND), exiting the council meeting, described Mancini as "a coach of quality" and noted that he had won the European Championship with the national team, referencing his 2020 success.