Roberto Mancini is increasingly viewed as the frontrunner to return as Italy coach amid a full-scale FIGC upheaval after World Cup failure; his candidacy gains traction if Giovanni Malagò secures the federation presidency, while resignations from Gabriele Gravina and Gigi Buffon and an expected coaching departure make a managerial reset inevitable.
Mancini poised for Italy comeback amid federation crisis
Roberto Mancini, currently managing Al-Sadd, is understood to be confident he will be considered to reclaim the Italy job as the national setup faces a rapid overhaul. His Euro 2020 triumph remains the high-water mark of recent Italian coaching, and that pedigree places him front and center in conversations about restoring the Azzurri.
FIGC upheaval follows World Cup disappointment
The failure to qualify for the next World Cup has triggered immediate institutional fallout. Federation President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon have moved toward resignation. The head coach role, held by Gennaro Gattuso, is expected to be vacated as the federation seeks fresh leadership at both administrative and technical levels.
Why Giovanni Malagò’s candidacy matters
Giovanni Malagò’s potential election as FIGC President would be consequential. His previous tenure as CONI president saw him step in to guide Italian football through administrative deadlock. Malagò’s arrival would likely shape the federation’s shortlist for a new coach and could give Mancini a political path back to the national team.
What Mancini’s return would mean for Italy
Bringing Mancini back would signal a desire for continuity after an abrupt rupture. Tactically, he offers a modern, possession-oriented framework that delivered major silverware and re-established Italy’s identity post-2018. That said, his 2023 resignation ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign raises questions about commitment and timing that would need addressing.
Upside: experience and credibility
Mancini’s track record commands respect among players and fans. His ability to integrate young talent into a cohesive unit could accelerate rebuild efforts and restore confidence ahead of the next qualification cycle.
Downside: timing and trust
Reappointing a coach who left abruptly may be read as politically convenient rather than strategically optimal. The federation and public would demand clarity on motives, contract terms, and a long-term plan beyond immediate qualification.
Next steps and timeline
The process hinges on the FIGC presidential election and the federation’s broader restructuring. Once a new president is in place, names for head coach will be prioritized. Any approach to Mancini would require negotiation with Al-Sadd over contractual obligations and a clear brief from the FIGC outlining objectives, staffing, and timelines.
Implications for the squad and qualification campaign
A Mancini return would likely accelerate selection continuity and tactical identity, but immediate results are not guaranteed. The new regime must balance rebuilding with realistic targets, emphasizing youth development, defensive solidity, and a clearer succession plan for senior roles.
Conclusion
Italy faces a pivotal reset: administrative resignations create an opening for decisive leadership, and Mancini’s name carries both practical and symbolic weight.
If Malagò leads the FIGC, Mancini’s candidacy becomes more than a rumor — it becomes a plausible strategy to fast-track stability.
Lega Serie A ‘must have primary role’ in important reforms
The federation’s next moves will determine whether this is restoration or another interim chapter for the Azzurri.
Football Italia
