Roberto Mancini returns as Italy head coach after months of turmoil | OneFootball

Roberto Mancini will return as Italy head coach, succeeding Gennaro Gattuso amid recent internal turmoil and a team absent from the last three World Cups. The Italian federation announced the decision on Tuesday, with president Giovanni Malago confirming it at the Federal Council.

The 61-year-old previously led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023, a spell crowned by the Euro 2021 title.

He had been competing with Antonio Conte for the job, while Thiago Motta's name had re-emerged in recent days.

The appointment ends a months-long saga, which intensified in recent days after Pep Guardiola declined the role.

Andrea Pirlo, backed by technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo, saw his candidacy rejected by the federation, in part due to his sponsorship deal with a Russian sports betting company.

That outcome was viewed as an affront by Maldini and Leonardo, who then resigned barely two weeks after their appointment.

Claudio Ranieri is expected to replace Maldini as technical director, with the task of helping to steady the national setup.

Source: Le Progres