Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Coach, Ranieri Named Technical Director
Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy head coach for a second spell, while Claudio Ranieri has been appointed technical director of the national-team setup.
Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy head coach for a second spell, with Claudio Ranieri named the national setup’s technical director, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Mancini succeeds Gennaro Gattuso, who left in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The 61-year-old previously led the national team from 2018 to 2023, overseeing 58 matches and guiding Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 after a penalty shootout victory over England at Wembley.
Ranieri, 74, will oversee technical operations and elite football development across Italy’s national-team structure. He replaces Paolo Maldini in the role after Maldini and adviser Leonardo resigned on Monday.
The appointments follow a disrupted search in which Andrea Pirlo’s proposed hiring was blocked because of ties to a Russian betting company, while Pep Guardiola had earlier declined the position. Mancini’s return gives Italy an experienced coach as the federation rebuilds after another missed World Cup.
