How Roberto Mancini again became Italy manager: Guardiola, Pirlo and the twists

['Shuvaditya Bose', 'Shuvaditya Bose Is A Deputy Copy Editor At The Sports Desk Of The Indian Express.', '... Read More', 'Var Template_Content', 'Sso_Login_Box', 'Xwelcome Backorenter The Email Address Or Mobile Number Associated With Your Account To Sign In. Show Passwordsign Innew To The Indian Express Signupxcreate Your Account It Is Quick', 'Easy.Or Show Passwordnextvalidate Otpregisteralready Have An Account', 'Signin', 'Sso_Social_Box', 'Sign In Withgmailfacebookapple'] The Indian Express 2026-07-29 16:54:56

Such was FIFA’s lavish guest list for the 2026 World Cup final that it was difficult to find a legend’s name missing. Italy had spent three successive World Cup cycles as spectators. Following public outrage after Italy’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Gravina listened to fans and vacated his position. Experienced as he was, Malago understood that rebuilding Italian football would require more than one pair of hands. His resume lacked the glamour of Ancelotti or Guardiola, but he won the World Cup with Italy and trophies at Juventus.