Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as Italy’s head coach following a series of dramatic events. The veteran coach apologized at his first press conference since taking charge for a second time.
Mancini first took charge of Italy in 2018 and led the country to Euro 2020 glory. However, the four-time world champions failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup under his leadership.
Mancini surprised everyone by resigning in August 2023. Just two weeks later, he took charge of the Saudi Arabian national team.
Mancini admitted that leaving the Italy job was his biggest mistake. “I am truly sorry. What happened was as painful as losing a life partner. I made a big mistake, and I apologize for what happened over the last three years. I will do my best to restore the national team to its rightful status,” the 61-year-old coach told a news conference on Wednesday.
Mancini’s move to Saudi Arabia was seen by many as a betrayal. Of that period, he said, “It was entirely my fault. There was a bit of a misunderstanding with Gravina, but I take full responsibility for that.”
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs in April. Gennaro Gattuso resigned as head coach following that defeat. Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola were then offered the job but declined.
Andrea Pirlo was also passed over by the Italian Football Federation due to a dispute over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company. Mancini was eventually reinstated.
Mancini will begin his second term with a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on September 25. Asked what kind of reception he expects from fans, he said: “I understand that some people will oppose me, but I hope the team performs so well that people forgive me.”
“I don’t think we’re in a bad position. We have a lot of options at forward and on the wings — young players who can develop further. I was the first to give Kean a chance, and I know him well. I was even the one who called up Zaniolo to the first team when he wasn’t even playing in Serie A,” Mancini added.
