Mancini Returns to Coach Italy

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national team for the second time in his career, tasked with reviving the four-time World Cup champions who missed the last three editions of the tournament, according to an announcement by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò.

Malagò said during a press conference, “I saw that the person who should become the national team coach is Roberto Mancini,” adding that he would introduce the new coach on Wednesday.

Claudio Ranieri will also take on the role of new technical director at the Italian federation, replacing Paolo Maldini, who stepped down from his post yesterday morning following a dispute over the appointment of the national team coach.

Malagò stated, “Claudio Ranieri has given his approval to accept the role.”

Maldini and his Brazilian advisor, Leonardo, had been pushing for Andrea Pirlo to be appointed as the national team coach. The two had taken on the “rescue mission,” as it was termed, on July 11—just 35 days prior—in a move that was expected to restore stability to the national team.