ROME — Roberto Mancini offered an apology in his first public statement on Wednesday after taking on the role of coach for a struggling Italy team, three years after leaving the position for a high-paying contract with Saudi Arabia.
“I deeply regret my decision,” Mancini said. “It was like losing the love of your life. It reflects a choice that shouldn’t have been made. I sincerely apologize for everything that has occurred in the past three years. I’ll do my best to restore the national team to its rightful place.”
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Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, leading to the resignations of federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso following a playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in April.
The 61-year-old Mancini previously guided the Azzurri to victory in the 2021 European Championship but unexpectedly stepped down in August 2023 to take the helm of Saudi Arabia’s national team just two weeks afterward.
“The communication breakdown with Gravina was entirely my fault,” Mancini admitted.
Mancini’s first match back in charge will be against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25 at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. He was asked how fans might respond to his return.
“I understand that some fans may not support me,” Mancini acknowledged. “I hope the team performs well enough to earn their forgiveness.”
Mancini was the fourth choice for the role after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declined the position, and Andrea Pirlo was removed from consideration due to political backlash concerning a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company.
In its Nations League group, Italy will also face France and Türkiye.
Mancini will have key players like Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, and Nicolò Zaniolo in the attack; Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella in midfield; Riccardo Calafiori and Marco Palestra at the fullback positions; and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
Center back positions have posed challenges due to injuries affecting Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi.
“I don’t believe we’re in a dire situation: we have plenty of options among forwards and wingers,” Mancini stated. “I’m focusing on young players who still have room to grow. I introduced Kean to the national team, so I know his capabilities well.”
Mancini also included Zaniolo in the squad for the first time before he had debuted in Serie A.
In addition to Mancini, former Leicester and Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the federation’s technical director. The 74-year-old, who declined the head coaching position last year, admitted he was surprised by the offer.
“I was at the beach, as you can see from my tan,” he remarked. “I understand the situation is challenging, but my extensive coaching career has prepared me for such hurdles. I’ve never shied away from difficulties.”
Ranieri stated that making soccer training programs more accessible and appealing for young Italians, who are increasingly engaging in other sports like tennis—spurred by the success of top-ranked Jannik Sinner—will be a priority.
“We need to draw kids back to soccer,” Ranieri emphasized. “Our national youth teams are performing admirably. We must focus on facilitating the progression of under-21 players to the senior team, ensuring the Italy coach has a solid pool of talent to choose from.”
He also advocated for a shift away from Italy’s traditional focus on tactics.
“We excel tactically, while others are more technically adept. Overseas, there isn’t as much emphasis on tactical approaches as there is here,” Ranieri said. “We need to concentrate on enhancing individual skills.”
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.