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Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Coach Amid Squad Rebuilding
Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as head coach of the Italy national football team, a decision announced by FIGC president Giovanni Malago. Claudio Ranieri was also named technical director, taking over from Paolo Maldini. Mancini expressed regret for his 2023 departure to Saudi Arabia and apologized to fans, signalling a fresh start.
The appointment comes after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the qualifiers. The new coaching team’s first test will be a Nations League match against Belgium on 25 September. Tactical plans include moving from a three‑defender system to a 4‑3‑3 formation and integrating a mix of experienced players such as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a cohort of younger talents across defence, midfield and attack.
Media reactions range from optimism about restoring Italy’s competitive edge to criticism of Mancini’s past decisions, but the overall focus is on rebuilding the squad and restoring national pride in football.
Entities
Claudio Ranieri · Gianluigi Donnarumma · Giovanni Malagò · Italy national football team · Roberto Mancini
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella and Nicolò Fagioli are seen as technical certainties in midfield. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] Gianluigi Donnarumma is considered the primary goalkeeper option for Italy. www.tuttonapoli.net · fr.aljazayr.com · www.affaritaliani.it · avantionline.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Midfield candidates also include Nicolò Rovella, Samuele Ricci, Luca Lipani and Gianluca Gaetano. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Claudio Ranieri has been appointed technical director of the Italy national team. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Marco Carnesecchi, Guglielmo Vicario and Alex Meret are also listed as goalkeeper candidates. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Forwards such as Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Francesco Camarda are being considered for the attack. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] Roberto Mancini has returned as head coach of Italy's national football team. www.affaritaliani.it · www.tuttonapoli.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Giorgio Scalvini and Alessandro Buongiorno are among the defensive options. www.tuttonapoli.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] FIGC president Giovanni Malago announced Mancini's appointment as Italy coach. fr.aljazayr.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the qualifiers. fr.aljazayr.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mancini expressed regret and apologized for his previous departure to Saudi Arabia. www.mondialnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Italy's first match under Mancini will be against Belgium in the Nations League on 25 September. fr.aljazayr.com