Replacing Maldini, the Italian national team has a new technical director.

Claudio Ranieri has officially returned to the Italy national team as Technical Director, honoring his previous commitment and marking the start of a fresh rebuilding phase for the Azzurri together with Roberto Mancini.

Just over two months after stating "never say no to the Italy national team", Claudio Ranieri has officially returned to serve his country's football. The 74-year-old strategist will take on the role of Technical Director for the Italian national team, opening a new chapter in the "Azzurri's" reconstruction journey.

Back in May, during an interview with Sky Sports on the sidelines of the Gianni Di Marzio award ceremony, Ranieri was asked about the possibility of working for the national team after leaving AS Roma. "In 2025 I declined because I was still working at Roma and couldn't handle two roles simultaneously. Now I am free, so never say no. Whether as a director or a coach, it's fine. When the national team needs you, you have to say yes," Ranieri asserted.

That statement has now become reality. The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago, confirmed that Ranieri will replace Paolo Maldini as the national team's Technical Director.

In his new role, Ranieri will be responsible for outlining professional strategy, building long-term development plans for Italy's teams, and working closely with the coaching staff. Meanwhile, the head coach position has been given to Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to win EURO 2020.

President Malago highly values Ranieri's presence in the management structure. "I need someone who can share important decisions regarding the coach. Without that consensus, decisions will lack weight," he shared.

The combination of Mancini and Ranieri is expected to help Italian football regain its standing after years of consecutive turbulence. One is renowned for building winning teams, while the other is regarded as a symbol of experience and stability after decades of coaching in Europe.

According to the plan, on July 29, Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri will attend the introductory press conference, marking the official start of the new leadership and raising hopes for a revival of the four-time World Cup-winning team.