Key Takeaways
- Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the head coach of Italy's national team for a second time.
- Mancini's appointment comes after Gennaro Gattuso's resignation following Italy's World Cup qualification play-off final defeat.
- The 61-year-old Mancini previously led Italy to the Euro 2020 title and will now aim to take the team back to the top of the international game.
Roberto Mancini has been named the head coach of Italy's national team for a second time, tasked with revitalizing the Azzurri who have missed out on the last three World Cups. This announcement was made by FIGC president Giovanni Malago, who expressed his confidence in Mancini's ability to lead the team to success.
Technical director Paolo Maldini has been replaced by Claudio Ranieri, amidst reports that Maldini had threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed. Mancini's appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his decision to leave his previous role as Italy coach to take charge of Saudi Arabia.
Mancini's Coaching Career
Mancini has had a successful coaching career, leading Inter Milan to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2005 and 2008. He also led Manchester City to their first English league title since 1968 with a famous last-day victory over QPR in the 2011-12 Premier League season.
Mancini's first match in charge of Italy will be a Nations League match against Belgium on September 25. The team will face a tough challenge in the group, which also includes Turkey and France. Despite the challenges ahead, Mancini remains determined to take Italy back to the top of the international game.
The four-time world champions have not reached a World Cup since 2014, and have not even played a knock-out stage match at the tournament since winning the 2006 final against France on penalties. Mancini's appointment is seen as a crucial step towards reversing this trend and restoring Italy's reputation as a football powerhouse.
Why This Matters
Mancini's appointment is significant because it marks a new era for Italian football, with the team seeking to rediscover its former glory. With Mancini at the helm, Italy will be looking to qualify for the World Cup and make a strong impact on the international stage.