European football has witnessed major coaching changes after the French Football Federation appointed Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team, while Roberto Mancini returned to lead Italy.
Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps, who managed France for more than a decade, while Mancini begins a second spell with Italy after previously guiding the team to the UEFA European Championship title in 2021.
Zidane Replaces Deschamps as France Head Coach
The French Football Federation announced the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new national team coach on a four-year contract, succeeding Didier Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012.
Zidane has a historic connection with French football, having been one of the key figures in the generation that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup before moving into management and achieving major success at club level.
Deschamps Ends More Than a Decade in Charge
Didier Deschamps led France since 2012, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and reaching the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
His tenure concluded after France finished fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the door for a new chapter under Zidane.
Zidane Faces Challenge of Maintaining France’s Dominance
Zidane takes over at a time of high expectations, with France possessing one of the strongest squads in world football and a generation filled with experienced players.
The French Football Federation hopes Zidane can continue the team’s success in major international competitions and compete for more global and continental titles.
Successful Coaching Career With Real Madrid
Zidane built a remarkable coaching record at Real Madrid, where he guided the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
His experience managing elite players and competing at the highest level is expected to be a major asset during his time with the French national team.
Mancini Returns to Lead Italy National Team
Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation announced the appointment of Roberto Mancini as the new national team coach, replacing Gennaro Gattuso, who left his position following Italy’s defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mancini begins his second spell with Italy after previously managing the team from 2018 to 2023 and leading them to the European Championship title in 2021.
Mancini’s Record With Italy and Clubs
During his first spell with Italy, Mancini managed 58 matches across all competitions and helped restore the team’s reputation after years away from major trophies.
At club level, Mancini coached several major teams, including Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Manchester City, where he guided the English club to its first Premier League title in the 2011-2012 season.
He also had experience in the Middle East, managing the Saudi national team between 2022 and 2024, before later taking charge of Qatar’s Al Sadd and winning the domestic league title.
European Giants Seek New Coaching Directions
The appointments of Zidane and Mancini reflect the ambitions of two of Europe’s biggest football nations to rely on experienced managers capable of competing at the highest level.
Both France and Italy face new challenges as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments and seek to return to the top of world football.
A New Battle Between Two Coaching Icons
Both managers combine elite playing careers with successful coaching experiences, making their appointments among the most closely watched developments in European football.
Conclusion:
France begins a new era under Zinedine Zidane following the end of Didier Deschamps’ successful tenure, while Italy welcomes back Roberto Mancini in an effort to rebuild the national team. Football fans around the world will be watching how the two experienced coaches shape the future of their respective teams.
