Roberto Mancini is returning as the head coach of the Italy national football team. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the decision on Tuesday, marking a second stint for the manager who previously guided the country to victory at Euro 2020.
Why Andrea Pirlo was dropped
The federation originally planned to hire legend Andrea Pirlo after Pep Guardiola turned down the position. However, the move collapsed over Pirlo’s sponsorship deal with Russian betting firm Fonbet. Explaining the sudden turn of events, FIGC President Giovanni Malago said:
“What emerged yesterday and the day before is true. There was a candidate who had been identified and agreed upon, chosen by Maldini and Leonardo but after what came to light regarding Andrea Pirlo’s partnership with a Russian betting company, I decided not to give the final approval.”
Turning back to Euro 2020 hero
With the position vacant and pressure building following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, football leaders moved quickly to rehire Mancini.
“Time was running out and I felt Roberto Mancini was the right person to become head coach, for a number of reasons,” Malago noted when speaking about the swift appointment.
Claudio Ranieri joins the leadership
As part of a major federation overhaul, former Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri has also joined as technical director. Malago confirmed the new structure, adding that “tomorrow at 6pm there will be a press conference with both Ranieri and Mancini.
