Roberto Mancini agreed to return as Italy head coach for a second term. The Italian Football Federation turned back to their Euro 2020 winner after talks with other managers fell through.
Andrea Pirlo Deal Blocked Over Betting Links
Former national star Andrea Pirlo looked set to take the head coaching job. However, federation officials stopped the contract before signatures were completed. The decision came due to Pirlo's commercial deals with Russian betting companies.
Leadership Shake-Up and New Management
The failed deal led to high-level exits inside the Italian federation. Technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo quit after sixteen days in their roles.
Veteran manager Claudio Ranieri will now join the staff as the new technical director. Mancini faces the task of rebuilding the national team after Italy missed out on World Cup qualification.
