Mancini was reappointed coach of the Italian national team after conflict with Pirlo

According to Bbc.

Context

Roberto Mancini, 61, previously captained Italy from 2018 to 2023 and achieved significant success, including winning Euro 2020. His appointment was the result of a conflict with Andrea Pirlo, who withdrew his candidacy for the post of coach after disputes over his links with a betting company. Mancini will have to rebuild the team after failure to qualify for the World Cup and return it to its former glory.

Why is this important

The appointment of Roberto Mancini as Italy head coach is significant for the team, especially after their failure to qualify for the World Cup. His previous experience and successes, including winning Euro 2020, could help restore confidence in the team and improve their season prospects. The conflict with Andrea Pirlo highlights tensions within the Italian Football Federation and the need for stable leadership.

Key takeaways

• Mancini was again appointed coach of the Italian national team after a conflict with Pirlo.
• Roberto Mancini again took charge of the Italian national team after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from his candidacy for the post of head coach, which occurred against the backdrop of the conflict and resignation of Paolo Maldini.
• Mancini reappointed Italy boss after Pirlo controversy.

Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as Italy boss, just a day after Andrea Pirlo dropped out of contention for the post and technical director Paolo Maldini resigned. Gennaro Gattuso left his position as the team's coach in April after the Squadra Azzurra failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Pirlo, who had been seen as a likely successor, withdrew his candidacy on Monday after controversy erupted over his links to a Russian betting company.

"I believed that the best person to appoint as head coach would be Roberto Mancini," said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malago. Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015-16, will replace Maldini as technical director. Maldini, appointed to the job just two weeks ago, and consultant Leonardo resigned following the decision not to appoint Pirlo.

Before approaching Pirlo, FIGC also considered Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti for the Italian national team coach position. Mancini, 61, previously led Italy from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2020 by beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium. He led the national team to a world record 37 matches unbeaten, but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, losing in the playoffs to North Macedonia, and resigned in August 2023.

Another World Cup knockout failure for Italy earlier this year meant the team was absent from the tournament this summer and ended Gattuso's career, his contract being terminated by mutual consent in April. Despite their achievements on big stages, Italy have not competed in a World Cup final since 2014. The temporary leadership of the national team after Gattuso's departure was taken over by the youth team coach Silvio Balldini.

Mancini, a former Italy and Sampdoria midfielder, led Manchester City to their first Premier League win in 2012 and enjoyed success with Lazio and Inter, winning the Coppa Italia with both teams and three Serie A titles with Inter. He also worked for Galatasaray and Zenit before taking charge of Italy again in 2018. After his resignation from Squadra Azzurra, he briefly took charge of the Saudi Arabian national team before moving to Qatari club Al Sadd. Although they won the Qatar Stars League, the team failed to reach the AFC Champions League final and lost in the Qatar Cup final. Mancini left his position at Al Sadd in June.

Italy will now begin their Nations League campaign on September 25, playing away to Belgium before traveling to Turkey three days later.

What happens next

With the return of Mancini, the Italian team expects improved results and restoration of its status as one of the strongest teams in Europe. In the coming months, the team will be preparing for important matches where Mancini will have to demonstrate his tactical skills and influence over the players. It's also worth paying attention to how the new management, including Claudio Ranieri as technical director, will influence the team's strategy and composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been appointed coach of the Italian national team?

Roberto Mancini has again been appointed head of the Italian national team.

What was the result of the last match of the Italian national team?

The article does not include the results of the latest matches of the Italian national team.

How will this assignment affect the table or standings?

The article does not indicate how Mancini's appointment will affect the table or standings.

When is the Italian national team's next match?

The article does not contain information about the next match of the Italian national team.

Why did Andrea Pirlo withdraw his candidacy?

Andrea Pirlo withdrew his candidacy due to controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company.

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