The confusion surrounding Italy’s new national team coach began with Pep Guardiola turning down the role. The newly appointed technical director, Paolo Maldini, then set his sights on Andrea Pirlo, but the midfield icon’s collaboration with a Russian betting company had come to an end.
"Not approving this candidacy was my own decision based on an assessment of what was appropriate," Malagò said at a press conference, according to Italian Sky Sports.
I was not aware of Pirlo's collaboration with Fonbet at all.
In protest against that decision, Maldini is resigning. Claudio Ranieri has agreed to replace him, says Malagò.
I needed someone who shared the choice of Mancini as manager and that person is Claudio Ranieri, who just a few minutes ago signed his contract.
Mancini was the national team coach when Italy won Euro 2021, but surprisingly left in August 2023. Mancini now gets a new chance and replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned after Italy missed its third consecutive Men's World Cup earlier this year.
"Time was running out and I thought the right person to be the coach was Roberto Mancini. He is the best possible choice," says Malagò.
Mancini has been the national team coach of Saudi Arabia and a club coach in Qatar since 2023. He will be presented at a press conference together with Ranieri on Thursday, says Malagò.
How long Mancini's contract runs is still unclear.
