Roberto Mancini apologizes after returning to coach the Italian national team

According to Foxsports.

Background

Roberto Mancini previously left the Italian national team to coach Saudi Arabia, but now he has returned with the hope of returning the team to winning ways. It is also hoped that Mancini's return will motivate young players such as Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali, who are an important part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Why this is important

The return of Roberto Mancini as coach of the Italian national team is very important considering that this team is facing a crisis after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Mancini previously succeeded in bringing Italy to the European title, and now he is determined to restore the glory of the Azzurri. His apology shows awareness of his responsibility in this situation.

Main Points

• Roberto Mancini apologizes after returning to coach the Italian national team.
• Roberto Mancini apologizes for leaving the Italian national team for Saudi Arabia, determined to return the Azzurri to glory after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
• Roberto Mancini Compares Leaving Italy To 'Losing The Woman Of Your Life' | FOX Sports

Roberto Mancini issued an apology in his first public statement on Wednesday after being reinstated to coach Italy's crisis-ridden national team, three years after he left the post for a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia.

"I'm very sorry," said Mancini. "It feels like losing the woman you love. And that means you did something you shouldn't have done. So I'm sorry, very sorry too for everything that happened over the last three years. I will try to return the national team to where it should be."

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, leading to the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso in April, shortly after the playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mancini, 61, previously guided the Azzurri to the European title in 2021, but surprisingly resigned as Italy coach in August 2023, then joined the Saudi Arabian national team two weeks later.

"It's completely my fault," said Mancini, referring to a lack of communication with Gravina. Mancini's first match back as coach will be against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25 at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. When asked about the kind of reception the fans might give him, Mancini admitted, "I realize that some people will be against me. I hope the team plays well enough that maybe people will forgive me."

Mancini was forced to become fourth choice after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the job, and Andrea Pirlo was dropped as a candidate amid political concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company. Italy will also face France and Türkiye in their Nations League group.

Mancini can rely on players like Pio Esposito, Moise Kean and Nicolo Zaniolo up front; Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella in midfield; Riccardo Calafiori and Marco Palestra in defender positions; and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Problems in the central defender position are of concern due to the problems faced by Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi. "I don't think we are in such a bad situation: between the forwards and the wingers we have many options," said Mancini. "And I'm talking about young players who can still develop. I gave Kean his debut, so I know him very well."

Mancini also called up Zaniolo to the Italian squad for the first time, before he made his Serie A debut. Former Leicester and Roma coach Claudio Ranieri was hired as the federation's technical director. Ranieri said that making football schools more affordable and attractive to young Italians, who are turning to other sports such as tennis, inspired by top-ranked Jannik Sinner, would be a priority.

"We need to get the kids back into football," Ranieri said. "Our national youth team is performing well. We need to work to allow players in the Under-21 team to make the transition to the first team; and ensure that the Italian coach has players to choose from."

Ranieri also suggested a move away from Italy's historical devotion to tactics. "We are very good tactically, but the others are better technically. Abroad, the attention to tactical aspects is not as great as here," said Ranieri. "We need to get back to developing individual skills."

Between 2018 and 2021, Mancini coached Italy to an unbeaten record of 37 consecutive matches. However, a 1-0 playoff semi-final defeat to then-67th-ranked North Macedonia at home in 2022 meant the Azzurri again failed to qualify for the World Cup. Despite this, Mancini retained his position before surprisingly resigning in August 2023. He left Saudi Arabia in 2024 and was most recently coach at Al-Sadd in Qatar, before leaving last month. Mancini also previously succeeded in bringing Inter Milan and Manchester City to league titles.

What happened next

Mancini will resume his duties with a match against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25 at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. This match is an important opportunity for him to show change and rebuild fan trust. With players like Moise Kean and Nicolo Zaniolo, Mancini hopes to achieve positive results to prepare the Italian national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Roberto Mancini?

Roberto Mancini apologized after being reinstated to coach Italy's crisis-ridden national team, three years after leaving the post.

Who confirmed Mancini's return as coach?

Mancini's first public statement confirmed his return as coach of the Italian national team.

Why is Mancini returning to coach the Italian national team now?

Mancini returns to coach the Italian national team after the team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, which led to the resignation of the federation president and previous coach.

What changes have occurred after Mancini's return?

Mancini was the fourth choice for the coaching position after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the job.

When is Mancini's first match after returning?

Mancini's first match back as coach will be against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25 at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

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