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Mancini Returns as Italy Coach With Ranieri as Technical Director

Giovanni Malagò formalised the appointments to four‑year contracts while pressing lawmakers for funds to rebuild youth football.

Overview

  • Giovanni Malagò announced Roberto Mancini as head coach and Claudio Ranieri as director tecnico, with both signing four‑year deals running to 2030 during presentations at Coverciano on Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Mancini apologised for his 2023 resignation, pledged to rebuild the team and set immediate targets including the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
  • The nomination followed a chaotic week that saw Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign after Andrea Pirlo’s expected hire was blocked over a Fonbet sponsorship link.
  • Malagò used a Senate hearing to propose channeling a share of piracy fines and a portion of betting revenue into youth development as part of a broader funding plan for Italian football.
  • Analysts warned that high‑profile hires do not replace a detailed reform plan, noting deeper issues such as youth pathway gaps, TV rights and stadium upgrades ahead of Euro 2032 that the new leadership must address.