Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Manager to End Exile

Roberto Mancini has officially returned as the manager of the Italian national football team. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment on July 29, 2026, marking a dramatic return for the coach who led the Azzurri to European Championship glory in 2021. Mancini’s second stint comes at a critical juncture for Italian football, as the nation seeks to stabilize its coaching structure after a period of significant uncertainty. The Federation chose Mancini over several high-profile candidates, citing his familiarity with the current squad and his proven track record in major tournaments.

The path to Mancini's return involved multiple twists and failed negotiations with other elite coaches. Reports indicate that the FIGC initially explored the possibility of hiring Pep Guardiola, though those talks did not progress to a formal agreement. Former Italian legend Andrea Pirlo was also considered for the role before the Federation ultimately decided that Mancini offered the most reliable path forward. This decision follows a period of reflection for Mancini, who had previously left the role under controversial circumstances to pursue coaching opportunities in the Middle East. The reconciliation between the coach and the FIGC president was instrumental in finalizing the deal.

The primary objective for Mancini’s new tenure is to ensure Italy qualifies for the next FIFA World Cup and ends its prolonged exile from the tournament. Italy famously missed the 2018 and 2022 editions, a failure that Mancini will be tasked with correcting immediately. His return has received a mixed reaction from the Italian public, with some welcoming his tactical expertise and others questioning the decision to return to a former leader. For fans in India, this move highlights the high-stakes nature of European international football and ensures that one of the sport's most recognizable tactical minds remains at the forefront of global competition.