Roberto Mancini previously coached the Italian national team from 2018 to 2023. Photo by Domenic Aquilina/EPA
Italy named Roberto Mancini men’s national team coach, the Italian Football Federation announced Tuesday.
Mancini will replace former manager Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down in April. The Italians, who are tied with Germany for the second-most World Cups (four) in history, failed to qualify for the last three tournaments.
“I believed it was right that the person to become head coach of the national team should be Roberto Mancini, for a variety of reasons,” Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago said in a news release.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and former star midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who helped the Italians win their last World Cup in 2006, were among the other men linked to the vacancy.
Mancini previously coached the Italians from 2018 to 2023. That run included a European Championship in 2021 and two UEFA Nations League finals appearances. The Italians also logged a previous record 37-match unbeaten streak from 2018 to 2021.
Top-ranked Spain broke that record when they beat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final, extending their active unbeaten streak to 38 games.
The Italians on Tuesday also named Claudio Ranieri as their new technical director. Former technical director Paolo Maldini stepped down this week. He was appointed July 11. Malago said a third person will be appointed “in the coming days.”
Spain defeats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain’s captain Rodri raises the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, N.J.,, on June 19, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
