Roberto Mancini officially returns to coach Italy, Ranieri replaces Maldini as technical director

The FIGC has officially announced that Roberto Mancini is returning as head coach of the Azzurri after three years, while Claudio Ranieri has been named technical director.

This decision brings an end to 17 turbulent days for Italian football. Just on July 12, legend Paolo Maldini was appointed as the first technical director in FIGC history, while former star Leonardo took on the role of special advisor.

Less than a week ago, Maldini and Leonardo held a press conference to present a comprehensive reform plan for Italian football, starting with the youth development system. In that project, they even negotiated with Pep Guardiola to bring the Spanish manager to become the national team head coach.

However, the entire plan quickly fell apart. Last night, Maldini and Leonardo resigned simultaneously after their third candidate, Andrea Pirlo, was not approved. The reason was that Pirlo was serving as a global brand ambassador for a Russian betting company that is on the banned list.

After this option failed, President Malagò decided to return to his preferred choice, Roberto Mancini. This is the first time the 61-year-old manager has returned to lead the Azzurri since leaving the team three years ago to take charge of Saudi Arabia for a more lucrative offer.

Mancini's stint in Saudi Arabia lasted only one year before he moved to coach Al-Sadd. Previously, he managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, leading the team to win EURO 2020 but also causing disappointment by failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

In another development, Claudio Ranieri will take on the role of FIGC technical director. The 74-year-old manager left AS Roma just a few months after the previous season began due to disagreements with coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Ranieri had announced his retirement in 2024 but was later persuaded by Roma to return in November 2024 to help the team complete the season.

Speaking at the press conference, President Giovanni Malagò said: "The information that appeared in the media yesterday is generally accurate. We had a candidate who was selected and almost reached an agreement based on the proposal of technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo."

"However, the process of reviewing Andrea Pirlo's case led me to decide not to continue supporting this candidate. I believe it was an inappropriate choice. I haven't had time to read the entire file, but based on what I know, I regret that the matter went too far."

Malagò emphasized that there was no other reason besides the aforementioned issue. He also stated that he himself was completely unaware, and according to him, even Maldini did not know that Pirlo had been working with this partner since July 2025. That detail forced the FIGC to reconsider the entire decision.

"This situation led to another choice. People may be disappointed, but there is no anger or conflict between us. It's simply disappointment. When the project had not even really started, we faced an unprecedented situation. I kept my point of view, and they had their own stance, so we agreed to part ways with mutual respect."

The FIGC head also confirmed that the document signed by him, Maldini, and Leonardo fully reflected the consensus on this decision.

"Time is running out, and the media attention also forced us to make a quick decision. After considering many factors, I determined that Roberto Mancini is the most suitable person to become the head coach of the Italian national team. I take full responsibility for this decision."

Malagò also stated that Mancini's appointment does not change the FIGC's new direction or the role of the technical director. According to him, the FIGC amended its statutes to grant, for the first time, the authority to manage Club Italia to this position, instead of being solely under the FIGC President as before.

"After what happened yesterday, I need someone who shares my vision regarding the head coach of the Italian national team. There must be absolute agreement between the FIGC President and the FIGC Technical Director. Unfortunately, that no longer existed with Paolo Maldini."

"The person who shares that view with me is Claudio Ranieri. Just a few minutes ago, he confirmed he would take on the task. This is a very important and also extremely sensitive position."