Former Man City manager Mancini takes charge of Italy again | OneFootball

Roberto Mancini has been appointed manager of the Italian national team for the second time, following controversy surrounding Andrea Pirlo.

Pirlo had been set to take over the job just yesterday. However, due to controversial links with a Russian betting company, he withdrew from the running. The decision to not hire Pirlo also led to the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini.

A number of top level managers had been approached for the role, after the national team failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup. It is understood that both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were amongst those sounded out for the job.

Since leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, it is widely expected that Guardiola will try his hand at international management. However the Catalan will continue his sabbatical for now, and Italy instead hired a different former City boss – Mancini.

It will be the 61-year-old’s second stint in charge of his country. Mancini previously managed Italy between 2018 and 2023, leading them to their Euro 2020 triumph. Despite this, he eventually resigned after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.