Italy’s new football federation president has named Roberto Mancini as the country’s next head coach.
The 2012 Premier League winner with Manchester City will be joined by 2016-winning Leicester icon Claudio Ranieri who joins as sporting director.
Italy president confirms new coach and director
Federation president Giovanni Malagò said in a statement: “I felt that Roberto Mancini should be the Italian national team coach for a number of reasons, and I take full responsibility for that.
“Ranieri will be the technical director, a very important and delicate role. A press conference is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:00 PM with Mancini and Ranieri in attendance.
“I expect to announce a third position by the end of the week. Don’t start throwing around names. He will be in charge of managing the national teams, the role previously held by Gigi Riva and Gigi Buffon.
“Both Mancini and Ranieri have made significant financial contributions, even before they’ve finalised the numbers. They’ve acted with great responsibility.
“Ranieri agreed to become the technical director five minutes ago; he’s coming from Calabria.”
Italy’s disastrous pursuit of Pirlo
Malagò’s comments about taking responsibility refer to Italy’s previously disastrous coaching search.
Ranieri’s predecessor as technical director, AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, completely fumbled his job.
The former defender spoke to Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti despite very little chance of them joining.
He then bizarrely turned to former teammate Andre Pirlo who has had an average at best coaching career.
A deal with Pirlo was all but agreed, before concerns over his relationship with a Russian betting company were flagged.
Malagò then intervened to call off the deal, with Mancini and his advisor Leonardo resigning in response.
Malagò has since acted rapidly to resolve the issue with Italy Euro 2020 winner Mancini.
He also showed class when discussing Maldini and Leonardo’s resignations.
“I can only thank Maldini and Leonardo,” he said. “I’ve spent more time on video conferences with them than with anyone else in the last 15 days.
“They were gentlemen, frank and honest about their position. My position was equally frank.”
He added: “Regarding the coach issue, what has emerged from the training bodies and the media in recent days is true.
“There was a clear candidate, in some ways agreed upon on the recommendation of technical director Maldini, assisted by Leonardo.
“Then the inconsistency with the name of Andrea Pirlo led me to no longer approve the candidacy.
“I didn’t have time to read everything on the subject. I’m sorry that someone has coloured the situation. There are no other truths, no other circumstances that determined this choice.
“I certainly wasn’t aware, like the technical director, of this collaboration that existed since July 2025 and it represented something that made me reflect on my stance.
“Some might not believe it, but there was no conflict or controversy. My position was clear. With the utmost respect, there was absolute consensus in deciding and considering it right to separate our paths.”
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