European football witnessed two major managerial changes after France appointed Zinedine Zidane as head coach, while Italy confirmed Roberto Mancini’s return to lead the national team once again.
Zidane appointed as France coach after Didier Deschamps steps down from the post following the World Cup 2026
Zinedine Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps as France coach having been out of management for five years. The new coach has been tipped to lead the French back to the top after guiding Real Madrid to three successive Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
The News Chronicle reports that Zidane has signed a three-year deal with the French Football Federation (FFF) after the team struggled to reach their full potential during the recent tournament. France progressed through the group stages only to be stunned by eventual winners Spain in the semi-finals before losing to England in the third-place match.
Italy have also turned to an experienced hand after a similarly exhaustive search, with Mancini returning for a second spell in charge of the Azzurri. The serial winner has been linked with the job in the past, whilst Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo were also connected with the post before the Italy Football Federation (FIGC) eventually decided on the man who took charge of their historic 2020 European Championship final appearance.
Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Italy’s technical director and will oversee the Azzurri’s future development as they bid to produce the most successful squad in the land.
