A familiar face returns: Can Roberto Mancini lead Italy back to the top again?

Roberto Mancini has returned to the Italian national team for his second stint. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, License Details) 

Italy has turned to a familiar figure in an effort to rebuild the national team. Roberto Mancini has returned as coach, and Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the Italian Football Federation's new technical director in an effort to rescue the national team from the turmoil of recent weeks.

Italy's failure to qualify for the third consecutive World Cup has raised serious concerns, prompting Gennaro Gattuso's departure and a thorough managerial search in the market.

After unsuccessful attempts to sign Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo was tipped to succeed Gattuso. However, the deal fell through due to his ties to a Russian betting agency, and despite the controversy, the federation put its trust in the man who knows the national team best and led the team to historic UEFA Euro 2021 victory.

Mancini failed to lead the Azzurri to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but this appointment provides him with a second chance at redemption and may be his most difficult challenge yet.

His first spell as manager of the team, from 2018 to 2023, transformed Italy. Mancini transformed a nation that failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup into a team that exemplified modern football, played positive possession-based football, and trusted his young players.

Italy went on a record-breaking unbeaten run under Mancini, winning the European Championship against England on a historic night at Wembley. His first tenure, however, ended in disappointment.

Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a shock defeat to North Macedonia in the play-offs, prompting Mancini's resignation. His departure ushered in yet another turbulent tenure that disappointed fans and ultimately resulted in the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Mancini also apologised in his first statement for leaving the job for a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia several years ago. 

"I'm very sorry; it was like losing the woman of your life. And it means you did something that shouldn't have been done. So I'm sorry, and very sorry also for everything that happened over these last three years,” said Mancini. (sic)

He further added, “I'm going to try to bring the national team back where it belongs.” (sic)

"I realise some people will be against me. I'm hoping the squad plays well enough that maybe people will forgive me.” (sic)

Mancini is joined by another highly respected figure in Italian football. Claudio Ranieri has been appointed technical director, succeeding Paolo Maldini, who resigned. His responsibilities go beyond those of the director; he will oversee the Azzurri's sporting direction, help shape younger players, and coach the structure and unity among coaches and players.

Renowned for his calm demeanour and coaching experience, the 74-year-old brings credibility and experience to restore much-needed stability after years of upheaval.

However, the challenge will not be easy. Concerns about youth development and other structural issues have contributed to Italy's decline over the last decade. These issues cannot be resolved solely through managerial appointments.

Mancini's immediate task will be to prepare his first-team squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Turkey. Fans have reason to be optimistic, as the federation has finally prioritised experience over experimentation.

After years of uncertainty, Italy hopes that one of modern football's most successful and tactically flexible coaches can restore confidence and lead the Azzurri back to where they belong. The rebuilding process has begun, and Roberto Mancini's second chapter feels more important than the previous one.