Ranieri and Mancini strong Italy candidates after Maldini’s resignation | OneFootball

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Giovanni Malagò is likely to pick Claudio Ranieri as Italy’s technical director and Roberto Mancini as the new Azzurri head coach following Paolo Maldini’s resignation.

Ranieri and Mancini are tipped to get major roles in the new Italy set-up, according to various sources, including Sky Sport Italia.

A new project with Maldini and Leonardo at the helm had started barely two weeks ago, but it ended on Monday after Malagò refused to appoint Andrea Pirlo as a new coach, officially due to his role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company.

Giorgio Chiellini had emerged as a candidate for the technical director role, but the ex-defender has confirmed he’s happy at Juventus.

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A FIGC Federal meeting is now taking place in Rome, and Malagò is expected to propose Mancini as Italy’s new head coach.

Mancini’s appointment is expected to coincide with Ranieri being hired as Italy’s technical director.

ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS – JUNE 15: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini attends before the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Mancini already served as Italy’s national team coach from 2018 to 2023, but suddenly resigned to join the Saudi Arabia national team.