Mancini returns as Italy head coach after Pirlo withdrawal

Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Monday. Gennaro Gattuso vacated the role in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, leaving the federation scrambling for a replacement. Andrea Pirlo appeared set to take the job but pulled out last-minute following controversy over his links to a Russian betting company. "I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini," FIGC president Giovanni Malago said in a statement. Mancini previously led the Azzurri to glory at Euro 2020 and will now be tasked with rebuilding the national team after another devastating qualification failure.