The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Giovanni Malago has announced Roberto Mancini is set to become Italy’s new head coach.Mancini returns for a second spell with the national team, having resigned from his post in controversial circumstances only three years ago.The 61-year-old, who led Italy to their first European Championship in more than half a century in 2021, quit under the pretext of a disagreement with Malago’s predecessor Gabriele Gravina over the national team set-up.Mancini then swiftly signed a significant deal to become coach of Saudi Arabia.His appointment, confirmed by Malago at a meeting of the FIGC board today (Tuesday), comes after an acrimonious 72 hours in Italian football.“I am talking to Mancini because he is the new coach,” Malago said. “We’re waiting for him to sign.”The new executive team Malago appointed after his election in June resigned when their choice Andrea Pirlo failed to meet with approval.Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Araujo, the FIGC’s new technical director and strategic advisor, quit when Pirlo’s global ambassador role with Russia’s largest betting operator raised questions about his suitability.Pirlo learned on Sunday night that he was no longer a candidate for the job. Maldini and Leonardo then left after only 17 days in situ.Former Inter and Manchester City coach Mancini has long been seen as Malago’s preferred candidate. They have a longstanding relationship and belong to the same private sports club in Rome.Antonio Conte was also available after leaving Napoli at the end of last season. In an interview with this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Fabio Capello felt he should get the job over Mancini.“To be clear, I am not questioning Mancini’s ability as a coach, but what he did (in quitting to take the Saudi job in 2023) is, in my opinion, really bad.”In the meantime, Giorgio Chiellini has ruled himself out of replacing Maldini as the FIGC’s technical director. He announced his intention to remain as chief club affairs officer at Juventus.“With regard to the news that has emerged over the last few days, I wanted to make it clear that I am very happy in my role at Juventus, supporting Carnevali and the club,” he said.The expectation is Claudio Ranieri will succeed Maldini.