Italy enters a new chapter this Friday as
The return of Mancini, who previously guided the nation to success at Euro 2020, comes after a turbulent period for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Following the resignation of former president Gabriele Gravina and other key figures, the organization saw a leadership transition with the election of Giovanni Malago in June. The subsequent search for a new coach involved high-profile pursuits, including meetings with Pep Guardiola, before the role was eventually filled by Mancini in July.
A Fresh Direction for the Azzurri
Mancini’s reappointment has been met with mixed reactions, particularly following his departure in August 2023 to manage in Saudi Arabia. Addressing the criticism during his presentation, the 61-year-old expressed regret over his previous exit, describing the national team shirt as the "love of his life." He emphasized his primary goal is to restore the team to its former standing, stating that he is focused on securing victories and creating positive moments for the supporters.
The squad selection for the upcoming Nations League matches signals a clear shift toward youth. Mancini has named an expansive 34-man roster, which includes nine debutants. Among the new faces are Sporting Lisbon midfielder Issa Doumbia, Brentford’s Michael Kayode, and Nuernberg forward Mohamed Ali Zoma, alongside domestic prospects like Alessandro Romano and Eddy Kouadio. Mancini noted that the inclusion of younger talent is a strategic move to evaluate potential core players for the next four years.
The administrative landscape has also been bolstered by the appointments of Claudio Ranieri as technical director and Gianfranco Zola as youth projects coordinator. These changes follow a period of instability that saw the brief tenures of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who resigned after 16 days due to a breakdown in trust with the federation leadership. As the team prepares for a challenging schedule that includes two matches against Turkey and a fixture against Zinedine Zidane’s France, the focus remains on rebuilding the squad's identity under Mancini’s leadership.
