Particle.news

Mancini Returns as Italy Coach as Ranieri Becomes Technical Director

The appointments aim to restore public trust, prioritise youth development, press for new funding for academies.

Overview

  • The FIGC formally named Roberto Mancini commissario tecnico and Claudio Ranieri direttore tecnico on four-year contracts through 2030 following a chaotic series of July leadership moves.
  • Mancini apologised for his abrupt 2023 departure and framed his return as a mission to rebuild the national team by giving young players time and a unified identity across age groups.
  • President Giovanni Malagò has presented the hires as part of a broader reset and is pushing legislative proposals to channel revenue from anti-piracy measures and a slice of betting income into youth development.
  • The appointments follow the blocked nomination of Andrea Pirlo over a Fonbet sponsorship and the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, episodes that left the federation’s reputation under intense scrutiny.
  • The new leadership faces immediate tests: early results under the Mancini–Ranieri ticket, progress on funding and youth reforms, and visible cooperation from clubs to let young Italians play.