Euro 2020 winning coach Roberto Mancini returns to rescue Italy after third straight World Cup miss

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new coach of the Italian national football team, tasked with revitalizing the squad after their third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. The Italian soccer federation president, Giovanni Malagò, announced the decision, also confirming Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director. Mancini previously led Italy to the Euro 2020 title but resigned in August 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia. The team is in crisis following their World Cup qualification misses and recent leadership changes. Mancini's prior tenure saw him revive the Azzurri after the 2018 World Cup failure, leading them to a record 37-match unbeaten run. Other prominent coaches like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti had previously declined the role.

Roberto Mancini is reportedly set to be named the head coach of the Italian national football team for a second time. A source close to the matter informed Reuters that Mancini, who previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, will replace Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso departed in April after Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Italian media reported that FIGC President Giovanni Malago announced Mancini's appointment during a Federal Council meeting. During his first tenure, Mancini led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021. The article also notes that former top candidates Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo were unavailable for the role.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has denied any contact with Real Madrid regarding the manager's position. Speculation had linked the former Real Madrid coach, who managed the club from 2010 to 2013, with a return to replace interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho stated that no one from Real Madrid has approached him, emphasizing his current contract with Benfica. Real Madrid is reportedly seeking a new coach as they face a second consecutive season without a major trophy, trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona and having been eliminated from the Champions League. Mourinho, who won the 2012 La Liga title with Real Madrid, confirmed he has a year remaining on his Benfica contract.