Italy's national team continues to face extremely strong opponents, and coach Roberto Mancini has only nearly two months to prepare.

Italy will face tough games in the coming period, and coach Roberto Mancini has fewer than two months for preparation.

After more than two weeks of upheaval in Italian football, the head coach position of the national team has finally been filled. The person chosen by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is not a new face, but a name that has left a strong mark in Azzurri history: Roberto Mancini.

This can be seen as a return rather than a fresh start. In his first term, Mancini led Italy to win EURO 2021, while also setting a record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, an achievement no other Azzurri coach has ever reached.

However, he also left a major disappointment by failing to help Italy qualify for the World Cup, marking the second consecutive time the Azzurri missed the biggest football festival on the planet.

Mancini's last match in his previous term took place on June 18, 2023, when Italy defeated the Netherlands 3-2 to win third place in the UEFA Nations League. Less than two months later, the 61-year-old tactician suddenly left FIGC amid controversy before accepting the role of coaching the Saudi Arabia national team.

Now, after three years away, Mancini returns to Coverciano to start a new chapter with the Italy national team. His comeback will take place on September 25 at the Olimpico in Rome, where the Azzurri will host Belgium in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League. This opponent has just reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, promising a tough challenge for the Italian coach.

Right after hosting Belgium, Italy will travel to Turkey to face the team led by Vincenzo Montella, who was once a teammate and close partner of Mancini at Sampdoria. However, the highlight of the first training camp under Mancini will undoubtedly be the away match at the Stade de France on October 2.

Italy's opponent will be France under the guidance of new coach Zinedine Zidane. The French football legend is expected to achieve great things after returning to lead Les Bleus and has not hidden his determination to defeat Italy in their first meeting.

During his unveiling as France coach, Zidane shared that the match against Italy holds special meaning for him: "It is a very special match because I have played in Italy, know many people there, and can even speak Italian."

The former Real Madrid midfielder also admitted that his memories of the 2006 World Cup final remain vivid and said he has thoroughly prepared for the first four matches as head coach, including the clash with the Azzurri.

On the other hand, Mancini almost has to start from scratch. After the clash with France, Italy will return to the Renato Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna to face Turkey again on October 5, concluding the first four matches of the new term for the former Inter Milan and Manchester City coach.

In mid-November, the Azzurri will enter the final international break of 2026. They will host France at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium before visiting Belgium in Brussels to complete their Nations League campaign.

After the tournament ends, Mancini's next major target will be the EURO 2028 qualifiers. The draw will take place on December 6 in Belfast (Northern Ireland), with 12 groups of 4 or 5 teams. The qualifiers will be held from March to November 2027, opening a new journey for Italy to reaffirm its status as one of the top powerhouses in European football.