Roberto Mancini returns as Italy coach after Andrea Pirlo's Russian betting ties sink his candidacy

The appointment

On 28 July 2026, FIGC president Giovanni Malago announced Roberto Mancini as the new head coach of the Italian national team, three years after his sudden departure for Saudi Arabia. The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left by mutual consent after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Malago said the decision came after a federal council meeting that addressed the turmoil of the preceding days.

I judged that the person who should become the national team coach was Roberto Mancini.

A week of chaos

The appointment followed the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's candidacy. Pirlo, the former midfielder, had been the preferred choice of technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, both appointed on 11 July. However, Pirlo's role as an ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian sports betting company, drew sharp criticism from Italian media and politicians. His thin coaching record also raised doubts. On 27 July, Pirlo withdrew, and Maldini and Leonardo resigned after just 16 days in their posts.

There was a candidate designated and approved on the indication of Maldini and Leonardo. Then there was a turnaround that led me to no longer approve that candidacy for reasons of expediency. I was absolutely not aware of the collaboration with Fonbet.

Mancini's second act

Mancini previously coached Italy from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2021 but failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a playoff loss to North Macedonia. He resigned abruptly in the summer of 2023 to take over the Saudi Arabian national team on a reported €25 million net annual salary, a move that drew heavy criticism. His stint with Saudi Arabia lasted barely a year, and he most recently coached Qatari club Al-Sadd during the 2025-2026 season. Now he returns to rebuild a side that has missed the last three World Cups.

Ranieri steps in as technical director

Alongside Mancini's return, Malago named Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director, replacing Maldini. Ranieri, 74, ended his coaching career but had been serving as an advisor to AS Roma. Malago stressed the need for a figure to share the responsibility of the coaching choice. Ranieri will oversee the broader reconstruction of Italian football.

I needed a person with whom to share the choice of the coach, because without consensus my reasoning would have had no value. Claudio Ranieri accepted to become technical director.

What lies ahead

Mancini and Ranieri will be presented to the press on Wednesday evening, 29 July. Their immediate task is to prepare for Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, with Italy's last World Cup appearance dating back to 2014. The federation hopes the double appointment will restore stability after months of uncertainty.