Roberto Mancini named Italy head coach

Italy have turned to one of the most successful managers in their recent history after confirming the return of Roberto Mancini as head coach, with the 61-year-old tasked with restoring the four-time world champions following another period of turmoil.

Mancini returns to the Azzurri dugout after previously leading the national team between 2018 and 2023, a spell highlighted by Italy’s memorable triumph at UEFA Euro 2020, which was played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His appointment comes at a critical moment for Italian football after the nation failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time, prompting the resignations of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.

The Italian federation moved quickly to secure Mancini’s return after talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti failed to produce an agreement.

Former midfielder Andrea Pirlo had also emerged as a leading candidate before political concerns surrounding a sponsorship agreement with a Russian betting company ended his chances of taking charge.

For Mancini, the appointment marks an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after leaving Italy unexpectedly in 2023 to become Saudi Arabia’s national team coach.

His resignation shocked Italian football only weeks after publicly committing to a long-term project with the Azzurri.

As a player, Mancini was regarded as one of Italy’s finest attacking talents.

Spending the majority of his career with Sampdoria, he made more than 550 appearances and helped the club enjoy its most successful era.

Alongside Gianluca Vialli, he guided Sampdoria to their historic 1990-91 Serie A title, four Coppa Italia trophies, the 1990 European Cup Winners’ Cup and the 1991-92 European Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Barcelona.

He later added another Serie A title with Lazio before retiring in 2001.

Although his club career was glittering, Mancini’s international journey was less successful.

Mancini earned 36 caps for Italy, scoring four goals and representing his country at UEFA Euro 1988 and the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where Italy finished third on home soil.

Mancini’s greatest achievements came as a coach.

After beginning his managerial career with Fiorentina, he won three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan between 2006 and 2008, in addition to four Coppa Italia trophies.

He later guided Manchester City to their first English league title in 44 years by winning the 2011-12 Premier League, having already secured the 2010-11 FA Cup.

Successful spells at Galatasaray and Zenit Saint Petersburg followed before he accepted the Italy job in 2018.

His finest managerial moment arrived in July 2021 when Italy defeated England on penalties at Wembley to lift the UEFA European Championship, ending a 53-year wait for continental glory.

Under Mancini, Italy also set a then-world record by going 37 consecutive matches unbeaten, while playing an attractive, possession-based style that restored belief among supporters.

Individually, Mancini has received numerous accolades throughout his career.

As a player, he was twice named Serie A Footballer of the Year and was recognised as one of Italy’s most technically gifted forwards.

As a coach, he has won multiple Panchina d’Oro (Golden Bench) awards, been named Serie A Coach of the Year and received widespread recognition for guiding Italy to the Euro 2020 title.

Italy remains one of international football’s most decorated nations.

Under Vittorio Pozzo, the Azzurri won back-to-back FIFA World Cups in 1934 and 1938, making Pozzo the only coach to win two men’s World Cup titles.

Ferruccio Valcareggi guided Italy to the 1968 European Championship and the 1970 World Cup final, while Enzo Bearzot led the country to its third World Cup crown in 1982.

Marcello Lippi delivered Italy’s fourth FIFA World Cup title in 2006, before Mancini added the 2020 European Championship to the nation's illustrious honours list.

Other notable Italy coaches include Arrigo Sacchi, who reached the 1994 World Cup final, Dino Zoff, runner-up at Euro 2000, Cesare Prandelli, who led Italy to the Euro 2012 final, Antonio Conte, Gian Piero Ventura, Roberto Donadoni, Luigi Di Biagio (caretaker), Luigi Di Biagio, Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, none of whom secured a major international trophy during their respective tenures.

Italy will face Belgium, Türkiye and France in the UEFA Nations League during September and October, 2026.