Italy head coach Roberto Mancini stated at a press conference in Coverciano on Monday that his goal upon returning to the national team was to win back supporters who felt betrayed. He explained that he intended to return the team to its rightful place by winning matches through dominant and attractive football.
Mancini acknowledged the frustration of supporters following recent international failures, pointing to Italy being absent from the FIFA World Cup three times in a row. He noted that regaining fan confidence would require strong performances and consistent victories on the pitch.
The manager expressed optimism about his return and outlined a four-year commitment to compete at the highest level. He stated that he felt in debt to Italian fans and was determined to achieve success during his second stint in charge.
Rebuilding supporter trust
Mancini emphasized that he never approaches a tournament or match expecting to lose. He explained that while winning every game is impossible, his team will always attempt to control matches, play well, and give their maximum effort.
Italy begins this new era directly with official competitive fixtures, without having scheduled any preliminary friendly matches. Mancini noted that this structure requires accelerating the team building process to assess quickly which players can be relied upon for upcoming selection.
Four-year project without friendlies
The head coach reflected warmly on returning to the national setup three years after his departure, describing himself as very happy to be back. He recalled that the squad had experienced very memorable moments together during his previous tenure.
Mancini first assumed control of the Italian national team in May 2018 following the country's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He subsequently led a major squad rebuild that culminated in winning UEFA Euro 2020, which was held in 2021, alongside an international record 35-match unbeaten streak.
Previous success and World Cup absences
However, that successful period ended after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mancini subsequently stepped down from his managerial role in August 2023.
The Italian squad is currently gathered at Coverciano to prepare for their upcoming fixture. Italy will face Belgium in a UEFA Nations League match on Friday.
National team training at Coverciano
Coverciano, located in Florence, serves as the primary technical center and training headquarters for the Italian Football Federation. The facility houses training pitches, medical facilities, and coaching education programs for Italian football.
The Italian national team, historically referred to as the Azzurra due to their traditional blue shirts, is one of the most decorated teams in international football history. UEFA Nations League matches serve as official competitive international fixtures alongside European Championship and World Cup qualification campaigns.
