The Italian Football Federation announced on Sunday that Roberto Mancini has stepped down from his role as head coach, initiating a process to find a successor while Italy heads toward Euro 2024 preparations. The federation indicated that Mancini made the decision after a period of increasingly complex developments surrounding the national side and its future coaching direction.
According to the federation, Mancini communicated his resignation yesterday afternoon, initiating a formal transition period. The reasons behind his departure were not disclosed, but the move comes at a pivotal moment for Italian football, a time marked by reassessment after recent outcomes and the need to recalibrate the national program ahead of key qualifiers and major tournaments.
Fans and analysts have followed Mancini’s tenure closely, recognizing his role in restoring confidence in the Azzurri after a challenging stretch. He arrived at a moment of heavy expectations following successes that included a Euro 2020 triumph, and he oversaw a rebuilding phase that produced several fresh talents and strategic shifts in the squad. The decision to part ways comes amid a broader conversation about the team’s long-term project and the next evolution of Italian football at the coaching level.
In the wake of Mancini’s departure, the federation faced additional changes within its leadership. The appointment of a new head of the national team delegation coincided with the passing of a close ally, which has added emotional weight to the federation’s ongoing restructuring ahead of Euro 2024. These developments are shaping the federation’s approach to leadership selection and how it plans to map out the national program for the forthcoming competitions.
Beyond the bench reshuffle, Mancini himself has taken on broader responsibilities within the federation, including roles tied to the strategic management of younger squads. This shift signals a comprehensive reorganization aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline and aligning the national teams with Italy’s broader football strategy. The period ahead will likely define how the federation balances development pathways with immediate competitive demands on the senior team.
During his time in charge since 2018, Mancini oversaw a notable rebuilding effort, bringing through promising players and, at times, embracing naturalized talents to bolster the squad. The choices made under his leadership contributed to Italy’s recent on-field identity and competitive edge, shaping a generation of players who are expected to continue influencing the national setup in the coming years.
The federation stated that a new national coach will be named in the near future, with decisions guided by the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers and the broader schedule of international commitments. This period of transition will test the federation’s ability to recruit a coach whose philosophy and methods align with Italy’s football tradition and the expectations of fans across the country.
The departure marks the end of Mancini’s era on the Azzurri bench, during which the team recorded a total of 61 matches, achieving 39 wins, 13 draws, and 9 losses. The figure reflects a significant chapter in Italian football history, characterized by resilience, tactical experimentation, and a renewed sense of national pride. As Italy looks ahead, the focus remains on building a cohesive squad capable of competing at the highest level and delivering results that match the country’s storied football heritage.