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He promised to return “Adzuri” to its natural place
In a contrite tone and very apologetic words, Roberto Mancini appeared for the first time since his shock return to Italy to open his heart and admit his historic mistake when he left the Azzurri for the Saudi offer.
Roberto Mancini issued a public apology on the first day press conference On Wednesday, he was re-appointed coach of the embattled Italy team, just three years after he abruptly resigned to take on a huge contract to coach Saudi Arabia.
Mancini (61 years old) said in a sad tone. “I am very sorry. What happened was like losing a friend of my life. I made a blunder. I am sorry for what happened in the last three years and I will do everything to bring the national team back to its normal position.”
The Italian crisis opens the door for his return
Mancini’s return comes after another disaster for Italian football, as the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row following a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina last April that sacked federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Mancini led Italy to European glory with the Euro 2021 title before he shocked everyone by resigning in August 2023 and taking over as Saudi Arabia coach just two weeks later, a move many saw as a betrayal.
Regarding that period, he said: “It was completely my fault, there was a miscommunication with Gravina, but I take full responsibility.”
The fourth option is the future bet
Italian media revealed that Mancini was the federation’s fourth choice after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the job and Andrea Pirlo was ruled out due to concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm.
After his return, his first game will be against Belgium in the European Nations League on September 25 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. He said about the expected public reception. “I realize that some people will be against me, I hope that the team will perform well enough that people will forgive me.”
In his new blueprint, Mancini relies on a young generation led by Pio Esposito, Moise Kean and Niccolò Zaniolo in attack, Sandro Tonali and Niccolò Barella in midfield and Riccardo Calafiore and Gianluigi Donnarumma in defense and goalkeeper as the defensive crisis continues amid France’s problems in Bastogne. Acherbi:
“I don’t think we are in a very bad situation. We have a lot of options between forwards and wingers and they are young guys who can develop. I gave Kane a chance to make his debut and I know him well, and I was also the first to call up Zaniolo before he even played in Serie A.”
