Roberto Mancini Apologizes for Saudi Move in Return to Italy Squad

Roberto Mancini returns to coach the Azzurri following a playoff defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina and the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso.

ROME — Roberto Mancini has been rehired to lead the Italian national team three years after his August 2023 resignation. The 61-year-old manager, who previously guided the Azzurri to the 2021 European Championship title, returns to a program that failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. This leadership change follows an April playoff defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, which triggered the immediate resignations of federation president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. Mancini’s second tenure officially begins on Sept. 25 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Italy will face Belgium in a Nations League fixture.

During his first public comments on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Mancini issued a formal apology for abandoning the role to sign a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia just two weeks after his initial departure. "It was like losing the woman of your life," Mancini stated regarding his exit. He admitted a total lack of communication with Gravina led to the previous fracture, taking full responsibility for the fallout. The veteran coach was appointed as a fourth-choice candidate after the federation was rebuffed by Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, while Andrea Pirlo was excluded due to political complications involving a Russian betting firm sponsorship.

Nations League Squad and Roster Challenges

Italy enters its upcoming Nations League group against Belgium, France, and Türkiye with significant personnel shifts. Mancini confirmed he will rely on a core group featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and a midfield anchored by Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella. The defensive flanks will be occupied by fullbacks Riccardo Calafiori and Marco Palestra. However, the manager identified center back as a primary area of concern, citing ongoing issues with Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi.

In the attacking third, Mancini intends to utilize Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, and Nicolò Zaniolo. He noted that he originally gave Kean his international debut and previously called up Zaniolo before the player had even appeared in a Serie A match. Despite the recent crisis, Mancini expressed confidence in the available depth, citing a wealth of options among young wingers and center forwards who possess significant room for improvement.

Claudio Ranieri Joins as Technical Director

Accompanying Mancini’s return is the appointment of 74-year-old Claudio Ranieri as the federation’s technical director. The former Leicester City and Roma manager accepted the position after turning down the head coaching job last year. Ranieri, who was recruited while vacationing at the beach, emphasized that his career has prepared him for the difficulties currently facing Italian soccer. His primary objective involves restructuring youth development to compete with the rising popularity of other sports, such as tennis, which has seen a surge in interest due to top-ranked Jannik Sinner.

Ranieri’s strategy focuses on making soccer schools more affordable and appealing to ensure youth players successfully transition from the under-21 level to the senior first team. He advocated for a shift in the national philosophy, suggesting that Italy should move away from its traditional obsession with tactics to prioritize individual technical skills. Ranieri observed that international programs often focus less on tactical rigidity than the Italian system, which he believes must change to develop better talent.

Rebuilding Fan Trust and Federation Goals

Mancini acknowledged that his return may be met with hostility from supporters who felt betrayed by his move to Saudi Arabia. "I realize some people will be against me," he admitted, expressing hope that strong performances on the pitch would eventually earn forgiveness. His stated mission is to restore the national team to its historical standing following the recent period of instability. The federation aims to stabilize the program through this dual leadership of Mancini and Ranieri after the recent administrative vacuum left by the April departures.