Roberto Mancini will return as Italy head coach as the Azzurri look to end their World Cup exile, the president of the Italian Football Federation Giovanni Malago, pictured, announced on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Roberto Mancini has been named head coach of Italy's national team for a second time, tasked with revitalising the Azzurri, who have missed out on the last three Fifa World Cups, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said on Tuesday.
Technical director Paolo Maldini, who reportedly threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed, has been replaced by Claudio Ranieri.
"Today we have a new coach and a new technical director," Malagò said, announcing another press conference with Mancini and Ranieri on Wednesday. "I felt that the person who should be and become the Italian national football team's head coach was Mancini, for a whole series of considerations for which, as always, I honestly take responsibility."
Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy coach after their World Cup qualification play-off final defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.
