• Roberto Mancini set to return as Italy's national team coach for a second time.
• Mancini replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned after a World Cup qualifying defeat.
• His first match in charge will be against Belgium in the Nations League in September.
• Mancini previously led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021.
• Football Federation President Giovanni Malago confirmed the appointment amid management changes.

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the head coach of Italy's national football team, returning to the position he previously held from 2018 to 2023. He replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who left after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup, marking the third consecutive time the four-time champions missed the global event, as reported by both Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Mancini, now 61 years old, successfully guided the Azzurri to the European Championship title in 2021. His appointment was announced by Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago during a Federal Council meeting, who emphasized, "Mancini is the coach," according to Le Monde.

The choice of Mancini has surfaced amid controversies affecting the FIGC, including the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini after his preferred candidate Andrea Pirlo was eliminated from consideration due to past ties with a Russian betting firm. Furthermore, former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rejected the FIGC's overtures for the role, compounding the decision to bring back Mancini, as highlighted by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Mancini's first match in charge will be a Nations League encounter against Belgium on September 25, as the team also prepares to face Turkey and France. Malago stated, "We must try to do the best with what we have," indicating the immediate pressure on Mancini to improve the team's standing after their recent struggles, according to Le Monde.