Italy's recent struggles include failing to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time, prompting the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina in September 2026. This followed the resignation of coach Gennaro Gattuso in April. Mancini's return to the Italy job comes three years after he left for a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia. The 58-year-old coach has a significant challenge ahead of him, and his first step is to pick a team that can compete in the Nations League.
Mancini has called up 34 players, including eight newcomers: Mohamed Ali Zoma, Antonio Vergara, Alessandro Romano, Issa Doumbia, Michael Kayode, Massimo Pessina, Samuele Inácio, and Sebastiano Esposito. Italy's first Nations League game is against Belgium on 25 September.