Italy appoint Roberto Mancini as head coach, Claudio Ranieri named FIGC technical director

Roberto Mancini has officially been appointed as Italy's new head coach, while Claudio Ranieri has been confirmed as the FIGC's new technical director. The announcement was made by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò during a press conference, where he also explained why the federation ultimately decided against appointing Andrea Pirlo.

"What emerged yesterday and the day before is true. There was a candidate who had been identified and agreed upon, chosen by Maldini and Leonardo, but after what came to light regarding Andrea Pirlo's partnership with a Russian betting company, I decided not to give the final approval. There is nothing more to add and no hidden story behind it. There was no disagreement or controversy, only regret. Before we had even started, we found ourselves dealing with a highly unusual situation and, at that point, we mutually agreed to go our separate ways. Time was running out and I felt Roberto Mancini was the right person to become head coach, for a number of reasons."

Malagò also confirmed that the federation has completed a major restructuring of Club Italia, paving the way for the appointment of a new technical director. "The plan to appoint a technical director never disappeared. It is the same position Paolo Maldini had accepted, including contractually. We have now approved a significant reform of Club Italia. To complete the project, I wanted someone with whom I could share the decision on the head coach, someone who would also become president of Club Italia and the FIGC's technical director. That person is Claudio Ranieri. He signed his contract just a few minutes ago, he is travelling back from Calabria, and tomorrow at 6pm there will be a press conference with both Ranieri and Mancini."