Roberto Mancini has moved to the brink of a return as Italy head coach after positive contacts between the former Azzurri manager and the FIGC in the last 48 hours.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via Tuttomercatoweb, Mancini has been open to a return for several weeks and is now understood to be waiting only for the final green light from the federation to begin his second spell in charge.
The 2006 World Cup winner previously led Italy to European Championship glory in 2021 before his controversial resignation to take the Saudi Arabia job in 2023, a decision that divided opinion and left a bitter taste among Italian supporters.
Mancini eyes Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup as Italy rebuild targets
Antonio Conte remains in contention for the role, but Mancini is currently considered the clear favourite.
With Italy having missed a third consecutive World Cup, the federation’s priority is long-term rebuilding rather than short-term fixes, and Mancini’s experience and familiarity with the Italian football landscape makes him an attractive proposition.
The 2028 European Championship and 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, represent the two targets of any incoming coach.
And this constitutes a change of direction? Going back to a coach has ost recently failed to get Italy to the WC. Picking Baldini would have seen some real changes with a direction toward youth. Not sure Mancini will risk that.
@ Donato… 100% agreed. Baldini represents a long term solution. Mancini and Conte are viable options but I do not trust their motives. Give Baldini a chance, why not? Worked out well for Argentina and Spain.
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Baldini should be given a short term
Contract as this is a radical change and he will develop youth .
“The 2006 World Cup winner”??
2006 World Cup winner? Who writes this stuff?
yeah. I think it is time to award the coaches from the federation to become the national CT. Italy have performed well in the youth sector – euros u19,17 and runnersup in the 2023 world youth cup. we have missed 3 wc with club coaches maybe different direction is required.
The national side now like the club side – recycling the same coaches over and over again.
He is not a 2006 World Cup winner wtf are you writing about ? He was Inter’s coach in 2006
‘ The 2006 World Cup winner previously led Italy to European Championship glory in 2021’
Don’t think Mancini was playing for Italy in 2006.
Mancini’s last World Cup was 1990. In 1994 he wasn’t called up for the final squad because he didn’t fit Sacchi’s tactics. Mancini was also unlucky in that his contempories in his position, Zola, Baggio, Aldo Serena, were also outstanding players.
A big mistake in your article. Mancini was not a 2006 World Cup winner
I’m not opposed to his return, as long as he does the following
Does not turn to old players like Di Lorenzo!
Is brave in bringing youngsters into the fold, like Palestra, Kayode, Pisilli, Pio Esposito, Kolosho.
Has a distinct style of play and philosophy that is replicated at the youth levels.
baldini or allegri are the best options for italy ct role
Agree with Token Bubble.
I think a lot of you forget what this man did. Italy broke a football world record for consecutive games without a loss. He took a moribund national team and got them to the euro final snd won in in England! This man is a legend in my books.
Yes, I agree with Bobby. Mancini does deserve a second chance.
Mancini is the only real candidate currently for Italy.
When he was last in charge he promoted the youth. Tonali, Zaniolo, Bastoni, Barella, Scalvini, Gnonto, Parfundo, Raspadori, Kean, Retegeui and many others.
Remember the last Mancini led Italy still holds the consecutive record for undefeated international (37) games too.
He also lifted the Euro Nations Championship 🏆 too.
Baldini recently said there are better coaches than him to lead Italy and is willing to go back to the U21s again.
Under Mancini Italy played a 4 3 3 which he encouraged throughout the pity teams too.