Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as head coach of the Italy national football team, returning to the role for a second tenure amid a period of upheaval within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The 61-year-old succeeds Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down earlier this year.

Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, leading the team to victory at the UEFA European Championship in 2021. However, his first spell also included a notable setback when Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. After resigning in August 2023, Mancini took charge of club Al-Sadd in Qatar and had a brief managerial role with Saudi Arabia.

The decision to bring Mancini back followed a chaotic search for Gattuso’s successor. Andrea Pirlo, initially considered the frontrunner, withdrew from contention after it emerged that he was a global ambassador for a Russian betting company, a revelation that sparked controversy within Italian football circles. This development contributed to a broader crisis within the FIGC, including the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo just days after their appointments.

In an unusual move, Claudio Ranieri, 74, was named to succeed Maldini as technical director. Ranieri, a veteran coach, had been retired but was persuaded to step into the role amid the federation's ongoing challenges.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, addressed the turmoil, explaining that a candidate for the head coach position had been identified and supported by Maldini and Leonardo. However, Malagò declined to approve the appointment after the controversy involving Pirlo came to light. “There was no conflict, there was no controversy, only disappointment,” Malagò said. Facing a tight timeline, he ultimately decided that Mancini was the most suitable choice for the national team.

The search for a successor was further complicated when other prominent coaches, including Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, publicly ruled themselves out of consideration for the Italy job.

Mancini’s return comes as the FIGC seeks stability after a turbulent period marked by leadership changes and off-field controversies. His experience and previous success with the national team are seen by federation leaders as key factors in navigating the challenges ahead as Italy prepares for upcoming international competitions.