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Roberto Mancini has been named the head coach of Italy’s national team for a second time, tasked with revitalising the Azzurri who have missed out on the last three World Cups, FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Tuesday.
Technical director Roberto Maldini, who reportedly threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed, has been replaced by Claudio Ranieri.
“Today we have a new coach and a new technical director,” Malago told reporters, announcing another press conference with Mancini and Ranieri on Wednesday.
The 61-year-old Mancini was previously Italy boss from 2018 until 2023, leading them to the Euro 2020 title.
He has been preferred to another ex-national team coach in Antonio Conte.
Maldini had also apparently said he would resign if Conte was chosen, reportedly wanting Brazil-born former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta to be given the job.
Serena Williams made a winning return to tennis after four years in retirement as the American legend partnered Victoria Mboko in a first-round doubles victory at the Queen’s Club on Tuesday.
Williams rolled back the years alongside Canadian teenager Mboko in a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez at the grass-court tournament in west London.
It was like she had never been away as the 44-year-old produced her trademark thunderous serve and fearsome ground-strokes to the delight of a capacity crowd, including her two young daughters Olympia and Adira and husband Alexis Ohanian.
After appearing to end her glittering career four years ago, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stunned the sporting world on Monday with her shock announcement that she would compete in the Queen’s Club doubles.
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Williams’ decision to pick up a racquet in a competitive setting for the first time since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open had sparked questions about the wisdom of her move.
Would one of the sport’s all-time greats be able to approach her past excellence, or would she be a shadow of her former self?
Williams hadn’t played in a tournament since saying she was “evolving away” from tennis in 2022, so inevitably there were signs of rust.
But she delivered a typically combative performance that will intensify questions over a potential return to singles action at Wimbledon, which starts later in June.
“It was so fun. I had so much fun playing with Victoria,” Williams said.
“I never got to play here before, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic.
“I had nothing better to do! I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?”
