Mancini Returns to Lead Italy with Ranieri as Technical Director

Roberto Mancini is back in charge of the Italian national team, with Claudio Ranieri installed alongside him as technical director in a heavyweight reshaping of the Azzurri’s leadership.

The 61-year-old, who guided Italy to European Championship glory in his previous spell, returns to international management after a successful stint at Al-Sadd, where he won the Stars League last season. His move from club football in Qatar to the pressure cooker of the national job marks a sharp step up in scrutiny, but also a familiar stage for a coach who has long thrived under the spotlight.

Ranieri’s appointment adds another seasoned figure to the setup. The former Leicester City title-winner assumes a strategic, overarching role rather than stepping into the dugout, offering experience, perspective and a stabilising presence around Mancini.

This new structure follows a turbulent period behind the scenes. An attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo was blocked, a decision that triggered the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from their positions. Their departure underlined the depth of disagreement over the direction of the national side and left a vacuum at the top of the project.

Now Mancini and Ranieri walk into that space together, carrying reputations forged across Europe’s biggest leagues and on the international stage. The question is no longer who leads Italy, but how this high-profile partnership will reshape a team still searching for its next defining chapter.