Serie A clubs have reacted with fury to Roberto Mancini’s reappointment as Italy head coach, accusing the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) of conducting a secretive selection process that ignored their preferred candidate.
The 61-year-old returns for a second spell with the Azzurri after leading the nation to Euro 2020 glory, though he also presided over their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. His appointment follows weeks of chaotic negotiations that saw several high-profile targets reject the role.
Clubs left in the dark
According to reports, Serie A presidents had advocated for Antonio Conte to take charge and were prepared to contribute towards his salary. However, they were not consulted before Malagò confirmed Mancini’s return.
Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli voiced these concerns during a recent FIGC Federal Council meeting, arguing that the federation’s components should have been heard before any final decision. Serie A representatives believe Malagò’s close friendship with Mancini proved decisive, leaving them feeling sidelined despite their support for Malagò’s election on June 22.
Malagò defended his actions, stating there was “no time to waste” following the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo. The federation eventually released a statement welcoming both Mancini and new technical director Claudio Ranieri, urging unity despite the turbulent selection process.
From Guardiola to Pirlo to Mancini
The path to Mancini’s appointment was turbulent. The FIGC initially pursued ambitious targets including Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, but both managers turned down the national team role.
Maldini subsequently selected Andrea Pirlo for the position, only for Malagò to refuse ratification due to Pirlo’s existing role as brand ambassador for a Russian betting company. This intervention prompted Maldini and Leonardo to resign, reportedly because they viewed the appointment of former managers such as Conte or Mancini as a backward step.
Youth focus over quick fixes
Malagò has emphasised that appointing a senior coach represents only part of a necessary transformation within Italian football. He argues that genuine reform must begin with youth academies and the development of players currently aged 13 to 16.
“We must recover our credibility at the top level, where nothing can be taken for granted,” Malagò stated. He warned that such structural changes will require time, meaning results will not be immediate. This long-term vision appears to conflict with the reappointment of Mancini, who previously delivered European Championship success but also presided over the failed World Cup qualification campaign.