Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as Italy's head coach for a second time, with Claudio Ranieri named as the Italian Football Federation's new technical director, president Giovanni Malago confirmed. Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, and returns to the role he held between 2018 and 2023, when he guided the Azzurri to European Championship victory in 2021. The appointment follows a chaotic period for the federation after Andrea Pirlo's proposed hiring collapsed and senior officials resigned.

Mancini previously managed Italy for 58 matches and has also led Inter, Fiorentina and Manchester City, where he won the Premier League in 2011-12. Ranieri, 74, best known for leading Leicester City to their shock 2016 Premier League title, takes over from Paolo Maldini, who resigned alongside adviser Leonardo on Monday after Pirlo's appointment was blocked over his links to a Russian betting firm; Pep Guardiola had earlier turned down the head coach job. Ranieri will oversee technical operations and elite football development across Italy's national team setup.