Roberto Mancini returns as Italy national team boss after Paolo Maldini's exit

Roberto Mancini has been reinstated as the head coach of the Italy national team. This marks Mancini's second term in charge after he previously led the Azzurri to victory in Euro 2020. His return comes in the wake of Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

Mancini's appointment follows the abrupt exit of Paolo Maldini from his role as technical director of the Italian Football Federation. Maldini and his adviser, Leonardo, left just 16 days after their appointments, prompting a shake-up within the FIGC. Claudio Ranieri is expected to be named as the new technical director.

The search for a new head coach saw discussions with Andrea Pirlo come to an end due to concerns regarding his connections to a Russian gambling firm. Pep Guardiola also declined the opportunity to manage the national team, which has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso's departure. Mancini previously resigned from his role in August 2023 to take over as the head coach of Saudi Arabia, a position he held for just over a year before leaving due to poor results.

via Sky Sports