Learn Italian: Non solo ho ottenuto la candidatura, ma ne sono anche soddisfatto. - Not only did I get the nomination, but I am also satisfied with it.

In Italian, you say you are satisfied of something (soddisfatto di). The pronoun ne replaces di + [a topic or situation]. Here, it replaces the entire preceding fact—di aver ottenuto la candidatura (with having gotten the nomination). This is often called "propositional ne" because it refers back to a whole clause or idea rather than just one noun.

How does the "not only... but also" structure map to the Italian words here?

It aligns perfectly with English. Non solo gives us "not only", and ma... anche is used for "but... also". Notice that anche is placed between the verb (sono) and the adjective (soddisfatto), matching the natural rhythm of the English translation.

Why is ne placed before sono instead of near soddisfatto?

Even though ne logically completes the adjective soddisfatto, it is a clitic pronoun. In Italian grammar, clitic pronouns must be placed immediately before the conjugated verb they belong to, which in this clause is sono.

Does candidatura always translate to "nomination"?

Not always. It broadly means "candidacy" or the status of being a candidate. Depending on the context, you will see it translated as "nomination" (for an award or election), "candidacy" (for a political run), or even "application" (when applying for a job).