Roberto Mancini returning as new Italy coach - federation chief - ESPN

Italy have turned to Roberto Mancini to guide the national team once again, with Mancini returning four years since being dismissed from the role.

«Time was running out and I felt that Roberto Mancini was the right person for the job as manager, for a whole list of reasons,» Italy's Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò said in a news conference. «He's the best possible choice.»

Malagò announced Mancini as the new Italy coach on Tuesday, adding that Claudio Ranieri will become the new technical director after Paolo Maldini stepped down the previous day — just 16 days after being appointed.

Mancini, 61, led the Azzurri to the European Championship title in 2021 but shockingly resigned as Italy coach in August 2023, taking over Saudi Arabia's national team two weeks later.

Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, was the leading candidate to take on the job after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola both reportedly turned down the offer.

However, his potential hiring was met by loud opposition because of his ties to Russian betting firm Fonbet. At the helm of United Arab Emirates club Dubai United since July 2025, Pirlo became a global ambassador of the Fonbet in October.

«There was a candidate who had been identified — and, in some respects, agreed upon — on the recommendation of sporting director Maldini and with the support of Leonardo,» Malagò said. «Not approving this candidacy was my decision and a judgement call. I'm sorry that some people have embellished this situation somewhat. There are no other interpretations of the facts.»

Maldini and Leonardo, who had backed Pirlo to become coach, resigned as Italy's technical director and team advisor on Monday.

Malagò added: «I was completely unaware