Roberto Mancini has been appointed head coach of the Italy national football team for a second term, the Italian Football Federation announced on Tuesday. The 58‑year‑old will take charge of the Azzurri for the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers and the 2027 Confederations Cup, signing a four‑year contract that runs through 2031. Mancini’s first spell as Italy manager lasted from 2006 to 2013, during which he guided the side to a runners‑up finish at the 2008 European Championship and a third‑place finish at the 2010 World Cup. His return comes after a distinguished club career that includes league titles in Italy, England and Turkey, and a recent stint as manager of the Saudi Arabian national team. The federation cited Mancini’s “proven tactical acumen, deep understanding of Italian football culture and ability to develop young talent” as key reasons for the appointment.
What happened
The decision was confirmed in a press conference held at the FIGC headquarters in Rome, where federation president Gabriele Gravina presented the contract and outlined the objectives for the upcoming cycle. Gravina stated that Mancini’s experience “aligns perfectly with the federation’s vision of restoring Italy’s competitive edge on the international stage.” The announcement follows a brief but intense search for a successor to former coach Luciano Spalletti, who stepped down after the 2024 European Championship group stage exit. Mancini’s appointment was reported by multiple news outlets, including a detailed article by BBC Sport that highlighted the federation’s confidence in his ability to integrate a new generation of
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Story synopsis gathered from: Al Jazeera News — source
