RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesRoberto Mancini has vowed to restore the fortunes of the Italian national team and make them “dangerous” again.
Former Azzurri striker Mancini began his second spell in charge on Wednesday alongside new technical director Claudio Ranieri.
The reappointment of the 61-year-old, who led Italy to the European Championship five years ago, came after a turbulent 24 hours for the country’s football federation.
Italy were seeking a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role in April following the nation’s latest failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Andrea Pirlo had been favourite for the job after Pep Guardiola dropped out of the running, but the former midfielder announced on Monday he was no longer in contention amid controversy over his links to a Russian betting firm.
That led newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo to leave only days into their roles, with FIGC president Giovanni Malago announcing on Tuesday that Ranieri would succeed Maldini.
Former Manchester City boss Mancini, whose first matches in charge will be against Belgium and Turkey in the Nations League in September, told a press conference: “If Italy go to the World Cup, we become one of the teams to beat.
“Even if we are not favourites, we become dangerous in those tournaments.
“We will try to put together a squad that can qualify for the Euros, after the Nations League, and then think about the World Cup.
“I was here for five years the first time and I was very happy, in my preferred role. We signed a four-year contract now and I hope to win one or two trophies and to hopefully stay even after that, if possible.”
Former Leicester and Chelsea boss Ranieri, who turned down the head coach’s job last year, admitted he was not expecting the call.
“I was at the beach, as you can see from my tan,” he said. “I know it will be a difficult situation, but my career as a coach speaks volumes about dealing with difficulties. I never held back.”
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