Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Coach

Overview

• FIGC officially presented Mancini on July 29, 2026 with Claudio Ranieri named as the federation’s technical director.
• At his presentation Mancini publicly apologised for leaving the Azzurri in 2023 to coach in Saudi Arabia and asked the public for forgiveness.
• He set a clear remit to rebuild Italy by mixing experienced players with young talent and by creating a common tactical identity across youth teams.
• Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and his return follows recent departures among FIGC leadership and a search that considered other candidates.
• What to watch next: selection choices for senior and youth squads, whether the federation backs structural changes in coaching and youth pathways, and how supporters respond as results return.