Mancini vows to make Italy great again
Roberto Mancini said he is "here to bring Italy back to where it deserves to be" after being reappointed as the national team coach.
After a hectic search for Gennaro Gattuso's successor, Mancini's return was officially confirmed.
Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo were all linked with the role, with the latter seeing a deal collapse on Sunday, though it was Mancini who would be tasked with guiding the Azzurri back to the top.
Mancini previously took charge of Italy between 2018 and 2023, winning Euro 2020 before failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
He won 38 of his 58 matches at the helm (D12 L8) before leaving in 2023 to become Saudi Arabia coach.
Italy, which has failed to qualify for the last three World Cups, needs a huge rebuild, and Mancini is determined to lead it to the top of international football.
"Fate has given me another opportunity thanks to President Malago, and I'm here to bring Italy back to where it deserves to be," Mancini said during his first press conference.
"I want to win a major trophy, maybe even two. And then stay longer than my contract, if possible.
"Regardless of what happened in 2023, the goal is always to win and play well. I'm convinced the players are there and they're good, especially the young ones."
Mancini's first game back in charge of the Azzurri comes on 25 September in the Nations League against Belgium.
Italy will also face Turkiye twice and France once during the upcoming international break, with all four fixtures part of their Nations League campaign.
