Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Roberto Mancini has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Silvio Baldini after positive talks with the FIGC in the last 48 hours and that only final federation approval is pending.
- Sources say Mancini has agreed in principle to a contract running to 2030 worth about €2 million per year, though the appointment has not yet been officially confirmed by the FIGC.
- Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, winning the European Championship in 2021 before leaving for a Saudi role in 2023, a move he later described as a mistake.
- The FIGC frames the hire as part of a long-term rebuild after successive World Cup qualification failures, with Silvio Baldini expected to return to the U21s once a permanent coach is appointed.
- Other coaches including Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto De Zerbi were considered but are currently reported as secondary, and observers will watch for formal FIGC confirmation and how any deal resolves Mancini’s existing contract commitments.