Italy’s Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that Roberto Mancini will be named head coach for the second time in his career. According to sources close to the matter, Mancini will replace Gennaro Gattuso, who left the post following a World Cup qualifying defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mancini’s return to Italy comes after he guided the country to the European Championship title in 2021 with Inter Milan. He led Italy in 58 matches during his first spell as head coach from 2018 to 2023, where they failed to qualify for a FIFA World Cup since 2014.
The appointment was made following a meeting of the Federal Council at which Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malago announced Mancini’s candidacy. The FIGC has been without an Italian national team coach since Gattuso left in April, with former manager Andrea Pirlo ultimately being blocked due to his ties to a Russian betting firm.
Mancini will be joined by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo as members of the coaching staff under new head coach Roberto Mancini. The appointment is seen as a significant development for Italian football following Gattuso’s departure, although it remains unclear how long he will remain in charge.
The FIGC has also announced that former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will not be taking on an interim role to manage the national team during Mancini’s tenure.
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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