Roberto Mancini returns as Italy head coach

Mancini returns as Italy head coach

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the head coach of the Italy national football team for a second time, three months after the position fell vacant .

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officially announced Mancini's reappointment on Tuesday, following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup .

Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, leading the Azzurri to victory in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament . The 61-year-old returns to the national side after a brief stint with Qatar's Al Sadd, where he won the Qatar Stars League title before departing in June .

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed the appointment during a press conference, saying Mancini was the best person to lead the team . The federation also announced that veteran coach Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the new technical director, replacing Paolo Maldini .

The changes come after weeks of turmoil within the federation, which saw the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's expected appointment and the resignation of Maldini and adviser Leonardo . The new coaching structure is aimed at restoring Italy's competitiveness in international football.