Claudio Ranieri Appointed As Italy's Technical Director

 

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director of the national team on Tuesday, in an attempt to revamp the team.

Following the appointment of Roberto Mancini as the new head coach on Tuesday, the FIGC president, Giovanni Malago, also confirmed Ranieri will replace Paolo Maldini. Ranieri, a former Leicester FC manager, led the club to win the Premier League title in 2016. It was the first time in the club's history. 

"I needed someone with whom I could share the decision on the coach," Giovanni revealed. "So, consequently, we have a new coach and a new technical director for Italy." 

The appointments of both Mancini and Ranieri followed Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 2-1 defeat in the qualifier final. They were eliminated from Euro 2024 by Switzerland, losing 2-0 in the Round of 16. 

Mancini was appointed after the federation replaced Andreas Pirl following a breakdown of relationship. Second favourite for the job, Pep Guardiola, declined. Ultimately, the federation settled for Mancini, who had a successful spell at Manchester City and Inter Milan.