After Maldini leaves in chaos, can Mancini bring calm?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Italy have appointed Roberto Mancini as national team manager after a turbulent search that also led to the departures of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from senior advisory roles at the Italian football federation, the FIGC. Maldini, hired on 12 July to oversee football matters from youth level to the senior side, and Leonardo, a special adviser, left after just 16 days amid disagreement with FIGC president Giovanni Malago over the preferred coaching choice.

According to the BBC, Italy first explored moves for Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo. Guardiola declined after considering the approach, Ancelotti was not interested while remaining with Brazil, and Pirlo was rejected by FIGC leadership following controversy over his promotional work for a Russian betting company. Malago said the split with Maldini and Leonardo was consensual but acknowledged they did not share his view on Mancini.

Mancini returns with a mixed legacy. He led Italy to the Euro 2020 title, but was also in charge when they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, before leaving for the Saudi Arabia job. BBC Sport says Claudio Ranieri has agreed to replace Maldini as technical director, giving Malago a leadership structure after a period of upheaval.

The appointment matters because Italy’s problems extend beyond one coaching vacancy. The BBC notes that, aside from winning Euro 2020, Italy have struggled since their 2006 World Cup triumph, including repeated World Cup failures. It also cites FIGC concerns over an ageing Serie A, limited minutes for young players and weak youth-development investment, issues likely to shape Mancini’s task.