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Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach

Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach for Second Spell

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Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach for Second Spell—-The Italian Football Federation has confirmed the return of Euro 2020-winning manager Roberto Mancini, who replaces Gennaro Gattuso as the Azzurri begin a new era following another World Cup qualification failure.

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as Italy’s new head coach for a second spell in charge, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Tuesday, marking the return of the manager who guided the Azzurri to UEFA Euro 2020 glory.

The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the nation’s unprecedented run of missing three consecutive World Cup tournaments. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed Mancini’s appointment during a Federal Council meeting, describing him as the best candidate to lead the national team’s rebuild.

Mancini previously managed Italy between 2018 and 2023, transforming the national side after their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His greatest achievement came in 2021 when he led the Azzurri to the European Championship title, defeating England on penalties at Wembley. However, his first tenure was also overshadowed by Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before he resigned in 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia.

After leaving Saudi Arabia, Mancini spent time with Qatar’s Al-Sadd before becoming available for an international return. His reappointment follows a turbulent period within the federation after attempts to appoint Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo both collapsed. Pirlo’s candidacy was abandoned following controversy surrounding his commercial ties to a Russian betting company, triggering the resignations of newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo.

As part of the federation’s restructuring, veteran coach Claudio Ranieri has been named Italy’s new technical director. The former Leicester City and Roma manager will oversee the country’s football development programme while working closely with Mancini as the federation seeks to restore the Azzurri to the summit of international football.

Mancini’s immediate priority will be rebuilding confidence within the national team ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign and the qualification process for UEFA Euro 2028. Italy’s recent struggles have intensified calls for sweeping reforms, but federation officials believe the return of the Euro-winning coach offers the stability and experience needed to guide the four-time world champions back to the elite level of international football.

The appointment marks a remarkable return for one of Italy’s most successful modern managers. Having already delivered a major international trophy during his first spell, Mancini will now be tasked with restoring pride to the Azzurri and ensuring the national team never again endures the disappointment of missing football’s biggest tournament.

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.

The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.

Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.

For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.

Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.

The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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