The Italy national football team has officially appointed a new coach who holds championship credentials after missing out on three top coaches.
On 29 July 2026, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appointed Roberto Mancini as head coach of Italy's national team for a second tenure, following his first spell from 2018 to 2023 during which he led the team to win Euro 2020.
Mancini's reappointment came just one day after Andrea Pirlo was removed from consideration for the post, and technical director Paolo Maldini along with advisor Leonardo resigned immediately amid internal changes.
Andrea Pirlo faced backlash due to controversy involving his association with a Russian betting company, causing the plan to appoint him to fall through on Monday.
Prior to this, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also approached by the FIGC to take over as Italy coach but were unsuccessful, ultimately resulting in Roberto Mancini's return for a second term.
The Italian Football Federation hopes that Roberto Mancini will restore faith in the team after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April following Italy's third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup finals.
Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation, stated, "I believe Roberto Mancini is the most suitable person to take on the role of head coach of the Italy national team."
Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri, former manager who led Leicester City to the 2015-16 Premier League title, will take over as technical director, replacing Paolo Maldini.
