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Why Did Roberto Mancini Apologize After Returning as Italy’s Head Coach?
The manager will lead the Azzurri’s campaign toward the 2030 World Cup and Euro 2028. What did he say during his presentation?
Roberto Mancini is once again wearing the suit of Italy’s national team manager, and in his first press conference after returning to the Azzurri, he chose to start with a public apology.
The Italian coach admitted he made a mistake by leaving the national team in 2023 to accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia and said his main goal now is to rebuild the fans’ trust and return Italy to the place it historically belongs.
The 61-year-old manager returns to a national team still recovering from another World Cup disappointment and aware that his previous departure sparked criticism among Italian supporters.
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WHAT DID HE SAY?
Mancini spoke with a tone of regret during his presentation, acknowledging that his decision to leave after winning Euro 2020 was a mistake that still weighs heavily on fans.
"I am very sorry. What happened was like losing the partner of my life. I made a huge mistake, I regret everything that happened over the last three years, and I will do everything possible to return the national team to where it belongs," the Italian coach said.
The manager also accepted responsibility for how his first spell with the national team came to an end.
"It was entirely my fault. There was poor communication with Gravina, but I take full responsibility," Mancini stated, referring to his relationship with former Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina.
His return comes after another difficult chapter for Italy, which missed out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time after losing the playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The situation led to major changes within Italian football and opened the door for the return of the coach who guided the team to European glory.
MANCINI WANTS TO REBUILD TRUST
Mancini’s comeback will not be easy. The coach knows some supporters still question his decision to leave for Saudi Arabia, and he hopes positive results can change the perception of his second stint in charge.
"I know some people will be against me. I hope the team can perform well enough for people to forgive me," he said during his presentation.
The new project will focus on a young generation of players, including attacking talents such as Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, and Nicolò Zaniolo, as well as midfielders Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella. In defense, Italy will rely on players like Riccardo Calafiori and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Mancini insisted that Italy has enough talent to compete again at the highest level and defended the young players joining the national team.
"I don’t think we are in such a bad situation. We have many options among forwards and wingers, and they are young players who can continue to grow," he said.
He also highlighted his role in giving opportunities to players who are now key figures:
"I gave Kean his debut opportunity and I know him well. I was also the first to call up Zaniolo before he had even played in Serie A."
Mancini’s new era begins with the mission of restoring Italy’s identity and leaving behind a period marked by international disappointments.
