Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time.
Gennaro Gattuso left the position in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup. The move marked a significant change in the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) approach to team management.
Andrea Pirlo was initially set to take over as head coach, but he pulled out of the role on Monday due to controversy surrounding his ties to a Russian betting company. The development left the FIGC scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
The Italian Football Federation has opted for experience in appointing Mancini, who previously managed the national team from 2013 to 2018. His return marks a significant shift in the team's management structure.
"I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini," said Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago in a statement. The choice of Mancini is likely to be well-received by fans and pundits alike, given his experience in the role.
Mancini's appointment is a significant development for the Italian national team, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years. The team's failure to qualify for the World Cup has raised questions about the FIGC's management strategy.
The Italian national team will now look to Mancini to restore its former glory. The former manager will face significant pressure to deliver results, particularly given the high expectations surrounding the team.
Mancini's return to the role marks a significant turning point in the team's fortunes. The Italian national team will now look to its new manager to guide it through a crucial period of development.
As Mancini prepares to take the reins, the Italian national team will be watching with interest. The FIGC will be hoping that the new manager can bring much-needed stability and success to the team.
The Italian national team's fortunes will now be closely tied to Mancini's success. The new manager will face significant challenges in the coming months, but he will also have the opportunity to leave his mark on the team.
Source: BBC Sports