European football giants appoint new national team coaches
Three of Europe's leading national football teams have appointed new head coaches ahead of the upcoming international season, with Zinedine Zidane taking over France, Jurgen Klopp returning to management with Germany, and Roberto Mancini beginning a second spell in charge of Italy.
Zidane replaces Deschamps
The French Football Federation appointed Zinedine Zidane as France head coach on a four-year contract beginning Aug. 1, succeeding Didier Deschamps after his 14-year tenure.
Zidane, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, said managing France was "the only thing" he wanted to do after turning down other offers over the past five years.
His first match in charge will be against Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League on Sept. 25.
Germany named former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as head coach on a contract running through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, replacing Julian Nagelsmann.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 before serving as Red Bull's global head of football, said leading Germany was the pinnacle of his coaching career but cautioned that his appointment alone would not guarantee success.
His first match will come against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Sept. 24.
Mancini returns to Italy
Italy also announced the return of Roberto Mancini as national team coach after a turbulent search for a successor.
Mancini, who guided Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title during his first spell, replaces the outgoing coaching staff following the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's expected appointment.
His return comes amid wider changes within the Italian Football Federation after senior officials resigned during the selection process.
