Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new head coach of Italy, tasked with revitalizing the national team after a disappointing stretch that saw them miss the FIFA World Cup for three consecutive tournaments. The announcement was made by Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), on Tuesday. Alongside Mancini, former Italy midfielder Claudio Ranieri has taken on the role of technical director for the federation.

A Challenging Return

This decision follows a tumultuous period for Italian football, marked by the national team's failure to qualify for the last three World Cups. The situation escalated when former coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned in April after Italy's latest qualification setback.

Reflecting on the Past

Mancini's return is notable as it comes nearly three years after he left the national team in August 2023. He previously led Italy to victory in the European Championship in 2021 but resigned shortly thereafter to take a position with Saudi Arabia. Malagò acknowledged the controversy surrounding Mancini's departure, stating that all aspects were considered before reappointing him. "Time was running out … I believed the person who should become the new coach of Italy is Roberto Mancini," Malagò explained.

Reviving the Azzurri

Mancini's initial tenure began in 2018, following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. He successfully transformed the team by integrating seasoned players with new talent, leading to an impressive 37-match unbeaten streak, which was a world record at the time. The pinnacle of his first term came at Euro 2020, where Italy triumphed over England in a penalty shootout at Wembley, restoring pride to the nation. However, the subsequent World Cup heartbreak loomed large, with Italy suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat at home.

As Mancini embarks on this new chapter, he faces the challenge of rekindling Italy's footballing glory and ensuring that the Azzurri return to the world stage.