Roberto Mancini sets high targets to restore the glory of the Italian National Football Team.

Roberto Mancini has immediately set ambitious targets for his second spell as head coach of the Italy national football team. The 61-year-old tactician aims to restore Gli Azzurri's former glory while ending Italy's dismal run of failing to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cup editions.

Mancini will lead Italy under a four-year contract. The coach who guided Gli Azzurri to win Euro 2020 hopes to deliver new silverware while establishing long-term foundations for the national squad.

"We signed a four-year contract. I hope we can win one major trophy, or even two, then stay on longer if possible," stated Mancini, in remarks published on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) official website on Thursday.

Mancini's return represents a major step by the FIGC to revive the national team's fortunes after a series of underwhelming results in recent years. Italy have not lifted a top-tier international tournament since their 2020 European Championship triumph under Mancini.

The former Manchester City manager is no stranger to the Italian public. During his first tenure from 2018 to 2023, Mancini led Gli Azzurri on an unbeaten run of 37 consecutive matches, a record that was only surpassed by Spain earlier this year.

However, Mancini acknowledges his comeback carries distinct challenges. His 2023 decision to leave the Italy post to take the Saudi Arabia national team coaching job sparked controversy and left many Gli Azzurri supporters deeply disappointed.

"I will work hard to make this Italy side play beautiful, high quality football, so that the fans fall in love with the national team again, and hopefully can forgive me for what happened. That is my hope," he promised.

Alongside rebuilding his relationship with supporters, Mancini is confident Italy still possesses a pool of talented players capable of competing at the highest international level. He also called on Serie A clubs to grant more playing opportunities to young prospects to speed up the national team's generational transition.

Mancini outlined the two core motivations driving his second spell leading Italy.

"There are two things I want most. First, to make Italy's supporters fall back in love with the national team. Second, to ensure that children like my 12-year-old nephew, who has never once watched Italy play at a World Cup, finally get that chance," Mancini said.

Mancini's reappointment followed the FIGC scrapping plans to hire Andrea Pirlo as head coach, a saga that triggered the resignation of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo from their federation roles. The failed appointment process collapsed amid controversy over Pirlo's commercial partnership with a Russian betting company.

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has also appointed Claudio Ranieri as technical director. The 74-year-old will oversee all technical operations and elite football development across the entire Italy national team structure.

Mancini's first competitive test this second spell will come in the UEFA Nations League. Italy will host Belgium in Rome on 25 September, before welcoming Turkey in Bologna on 5 October.

"These will be critical matches. We will immediately see where our current strength stands, and which areas still require improvement. This will be a very tough group. It will be difficult for us, but it will be difficult for every other team in it too," he concluded.