Roberto Mancini Returns As Italy's Manager

 

Roberto Mancini is making a comeback as Italy's head coach for the second time after an agreement was reached with the football federation. 

Previously, the former Manchester City manager held the position between 2018 and 2023 before he was deemed the suitor among two other contestants. On Tuesday, the FA was revealed to have agreed to the deal with the Italian Football Federation. 

His return follows Gennaro Gattuso's failure to secure Italy's qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico. Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a draw. 

Meanwhile, Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola were the two favourites for the job. Initially, Pirio was close to securing the deal after Pep Guardiola declined interest in the job. The football federation later withdrew the deal as the relationship between the FA and Pirlo fell apart. 

Mancini, 61, however, has had a trophy-laden career both in the  European League and in the national team. He led Italy to the UEFA European Championship victory in 2020, and in Serie A, he has three league titles to his credit at Inter Milan.