Sports
Roberto Mancini returns as Italy Head Coach
Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as the head coach of Italy’s national football team, marking his second stint in charge as he takes on the challenge of rebuilding the Azzurri after their failure to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malagò.
As part of the restructuring, technical director Roberto Maldini has been replaced by Claudio Ranieri. Reports had indicated that Maldini threatened to step down if Mancini was brought back to lead the national team.
Mancini now faces the task of restoring Italy’s fortunes and guiding the four-time world champions back to the global stage after a prolonged period of disappointment.
“Today we have a new coach and a new technical director,” Malago told reporters, announcing another press conference with Mancini and Ranieri on Wednesday.
The 61-year-old Mancini was previously Italy boss from 2018 until 2023, leading them to the Euro 2020 title.
He has been preferred to another ex-national team coach in Antonio Conte.
Maldini had also apparently said he would resign if Conte was chosen, reportedly wanting Brazil-born former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta to be given the job.

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