Roberto Mancini to be named Italy head coach for second time, source says

Roberto Mancini is poised to assume the role of Italy's national football team manager for a second time, according to sources familiar with the appointment. The 61-year-old will succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who departed the position in April following Italy's World Cup qualifying loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This defeat marked the third consecutive failure by the four-time world champions to secure qualification for the global tournament.

Mancini's appointment was announced by Football Federation President Giovanni Malago during a Federal Council meeting. The coach previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, during which he led the team to victory in the 2021 European Championship. His first tenure encompassed 58 matches in charge of the national side.

Beyond his work with Italy, Mancini has held managerial positions at several prominent clubs. He spent three years at Manchester City, where he secured the club's first Premier League title during the 2011-12 season. He has also managed Inter Milan and Fiorentina at the club level.

The appointment follows organizational changes within the Italian Football Federation. Paolo Maldini, the federation's former technical director, and adviser Leonardo both resigned from their positions on Monday. Their departure came after their preferred candidate, Andrea Pirlo, faced obstacles to his appointment due to connections with a Russian betting organization. Additionally, Pep Guardiola, the federation's initial choice for the coaching position, declined the opportunity earlier this month.