Roberto Mancini is set to return as Italy head coach after Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy collapsed, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resigning from the FIGC.
Roberto Mancini is on the verge of being reappointed as Italy’s head coach, with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago confirming that only the final signature remains before the former European Championship-winning manager returns to the Azzurri bench.
According to reports from ANSA, Malago informed the Federal Council that Mancini has been chosen to succeed the outgoing coaching staff. The FIGC is also expected to confirm the appointment of veteran coach Claudio Ranieri as the federation’s new technical director, completing a significant reshuffle within Italy’s football leadership.
🚨🔵 BREAKING: Roberto Mancini has agreed to become new Italy head coach, here we go! 🇮🇹
New project set to start after president Malagò stopped Pirlo deal at signatures due to his collaboration with Russian brands.
Mancini, back soon. 🔙 pic.twitter.com/mxB4F7s3K0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2026
“I am talking with Roberto Mancini to make him the new head coach. We are just waiting for the signature,” Malago said. If finalized, the appointment will end Mancini’s spell as Saudi Arabia manager, a role he accepted in August 2023 after his surprise departure from Italy.
Mancini’s time in charge of Saudi Arabia failed to meet expectations, with the 61-year-old recording nine wins, seven draws and five defeats in 21 matches. Despite that mixed record, the FIGC believes he is the right candidate to guide Italy into a new era after previously leading the nation to UEFA Euro 2020 glory.
Pirlo Controversy Sparks Major Changes Inside the FIGC
Mancini’s expected return follows a turbulent period within the Italian federation after Andrea Pirlo’s proposed appointment collapsed.
The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder had emerged as the preferred candidate of newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo before his candidacy was derailed by controversy surrounding his commercial partnership with Russian betting company Fonbet.
🚨🇮🇹 Paolo Maldini and Leonardo RESIGN from their roles as Italy Federation technical director and advisor.
Decision to leave the project just 10 days after joining due to president Malagò being against appointing Andrea Pirlo as new head coach for Italian national team.
The… pic.twitter.com/UYEtFJCjRw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
According to reports, Maldini and Leonardo have now resigned from their respective roles just 10 days after joining the FIGC project. Both were reportedly frustrated by Malago’s decision to block Pirlo’s appointment, believing he was the ideal choice to lead the national team.
Pirlo has consistently defended himself against the criticism, insisting his relationship with Fonbet is purely professional and has no political significance. “The professional collaboration that has been the subject of recent controversy is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature,” Pirlo said. “Assigning a political meaning to this collaboration is attributing to me beliefs I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.”
With Maldini and Leonardo now out of the federation and Mancini poised to return to the dugout, Italy appears ready to move on from one of the most dramatic coaching searches in recent memory. The former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss will now be tasked with restoring stability and leading the Azzurri into the next phase of international competition.
