Mancini is back in Italy, where Roberto Mancini is looking to prove his worth as Azzurri’s head coach and take the country back to the top of the game. The 61-year-old manager signed up to a four-year deal and has vowed to bring back trust in the national team, which has missed the past three FIFA World Cups.
Before this, Mancini was in charge of Italy from 2018-23, and ended up with one of the club’s biggest successes in recent years securing UEFA Euro 2020 victory. However, the team’s ‘s first spell saw them go unbeaten in a record 37 matches before his departure in 2023. Mancini made his first press conference after returning, announcing his desire to win great trophies and dominating at a high level once more.
He also recognized the importance of re-establishing ties with fans after his controversial leaving three years ago. The Italian coach said his goal is to build a squad that the fans can relate to and let the younger generations know that Italy is on the World Cup stage. Mancini also singled out the need to cultivate young Italian sides and urged Serie A sides to give more chances to Italian players. A better way for young players to progress is a key factor in Italy’s future, according to manager.
He has returned following the fall of the plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo as head coach. The situation also led to changes in the Italian Football Federation, such as the resignation of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from their roles in the federation. The FIGC has named Claudio Ranieri as technical director to run elite football development and help shape the national team structure, under the leadership of the president, Giovanni Malago.
