Roberto Mancini returns as Italy head coach three years after shock exit

Roberto Mancini has been reappointed head coach of Italy, three years after stepping down from the role to take charge of Saudi Arabia.

The Italian Football Federation confirmed the 61-year-old’s return but did not disclose the length of his new contract with the Azzurri.

Mancini succeeds Luciano Spalletti, with his comeback rubber-stamped after Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation, informed members of the federal council that the former Inter and Manchester City manager would be handed the job.

His name had rapidly become the leading option to take over following developments involving Andrea Pirlo in recent days and hours.

Pirlo ruled out after betting company deal

Pirlo, regarded as one of Italy’s greatest midfielders, had been strongly linked with the position but publicly revealed he was no longer under consideration.

The 2006 World Cup winner saw his candidacy fall away in the final stages due to a contractual agreement with a Russian betting company. That commercial deal was a decisive factor in the federation’s stance.

Writing on his Instagram account on Monday morning, Pirlo said: “علمت الليلة الماضية انني لم اعد ضمن المرشحين لتدريب المنتخب الايطالي”.

The shift cleared the way for Mancini, already a proven figure in the role, to return to the national team he previously led to a major title.

Mancini’s first spell with Italy

Mancini first took over Italy in 2018 and remained in charge until his resignation in August 2023. During that period he managed 58 matches, winning 38, drawing 12 and losing eight.

His tenure delivered a major high point when Italy won Euro 2020, lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating England on penalties, a triumph that restored the team’s status among Europe’s elite.

However, that success was followed by a significant disappointment when Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing the finals for the second successive edition. The World Cup failure placed considerable scrutiny on Mancini’s project despite his overall positive record.

In August 2023 he unexpectedly left his post with Italy to become head coach of Saudi Arabia.

Stints with Saudi Arabia and Al Sadd

Mancini’s spell in charge of Saudi Arabia lasted from 2023 until October 2024. Across 18 matches with the national side, he recorded seven wins, six draws and six defeats before his departure.

He then moved into club football in November 2025, taking over at Qatari side Al Sadd. That role came to an end last month when he and the club parted company.

The conclusion of his time at Al Sadd opened the door for talks over a return to the Azzurri set-up, culminating in Tuesday’s announcement from the Italian Football Federation.

Mancini now begins a second chapter in charge of Italy tasked with building on his previous European Championship success while addressing the shortcomings that saw the four-time world champions miss out on the last World Cup.