Mancini compares Italy exit to ‘losing your life partner’ as he targets new trophy haul

Roberto Mancini has described his departure from the Italy job three years ago as “like losing your life partner” as he returned for a second spell and vowed to rebuild a young, attacking national team capable of repeating past successes.

Speaking at his official unveiling as Italy head coach, Mancini admitted deep regret over the way his previous tenure ended, but said he now has a chance to put things right thanks to Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malago and the federation hierarchy.

“I feel disappointed because the national team shirt has always been important to me,” he said. “It was like losing your life partner; I made a huge mistake. I am sorry, but now, thanks to fate and president Malago, I can make up for it. I will do everything I can to bring the national team back to where it belongs.”

Miscommunication over previous exit

Mancini, who left the Azzurri job three years ago, insisted that a breakdown in communication with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina lay behind his abrupt exit.

“Three years ago, there was a break in communication between me and Gabriele Gravina,” he explained. “If we had talked, everything would have been different. That’s how it went.”

The presentation in Rome was attended by Claudio Ranieri, now sporting director of the Italian federation, alongside Malago, underlining the institutional backing for Mancini’s second stint in charge.

Ambitious plans for a young, attacking Italy

Mancini set out a clear vision built around youth and a proactive style of play, as Italy prepare for the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 qualifying and the next World Cup cycle.

“We will start again with young players, and I hope we can have an attacking mindset,” he said. “We have to be proactive and aim to win every match.”

He stressed the importance of Italian talent gaining experience abroad, and in particular in the Premier League. “We are looking to bring in young players who can develop. It is important that they play overseas and that they reach the English league.”

Mancini also called for a unified tactical identity across Italy’s age-group sides. “I think the same game plan should be used in all age categories, from under-18 to under-21,” he said.

Recalling how Italy were initially written off before their Euro 2020 triumph, he added: “When we started last time, 95% of journalists thought we were the seventh or eighth-best team in Europe, then we set a record for consecutive wins.”

Nations League, Euros and World Cup in his sights

Mancini underlined that Italy remain a dangerous proposition once they reach major tournaments, and set immediate objectives across all competitions.

“When Italy qualify for the World Cup or the European Championship, they become a dangerous opponent,” he said. “Our goal is to build a strong team straight away and to go for results in the Nations League, the European Championship and the World Cup.”

Italy have been drawn in Group A of the UEFA Nations League alongside France, Belgium and Turkey, a section Mancini believes underlines the scale of the task.

“All four groups are difficult,” he said. “We will need to understand our current level; it will be complicated, not just for us.”

Italy begin their Nations League campaign against Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on 25 September. Euro 2028 qualifying is scheduled to start in March 2027.

“We want to qualify in the Nations League, then we’ll think about the Euros, and after that the World Cup,” Mancini said.

Concern over foreign players, faith in Italian forwards

Mancini voiced concern that the proportion of foreign players in Serie A has not fallen since his previous spell, limiting opportunities for domestic talent.

“Unfortunately, the percentage is almost the same as three years ago,” he said. “We hope more Italian players will be used and, if they play abroad, that’s fine.”

However, he rejected the idea that Italy are short of options in attack, name-checking several forwards he believes should no longer be considered prospects but senior players.

“I don’t think our situation in attack is that bad,” he said. “Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, Retegui – none of them should be considered ‘young’ anymore. I hope the new players score the same number of goals as Ciro Immobile did in Serie A.”

Mancini argued that Italy still produce gifted youngsters, but that they must be trusted with game time. He cited Nicolo Zaniolo’s rapid evolution as an example.

“I think there are talented young Italian players; you have to trust them and let them play,” he said. “If you remember Zaniolo when he joined us, he wasn’t even playing in Serie B. In the first training camp he struggled, and after three months he was a completely different player.”

“I’ll try to build a team capable of repeating what we achieved a few years ago,” he added. “The players are there, they are young, and we must give them confidence. We will try to be proactive and perform well.”

Pressure, criticism and a desire for forgiveness

Mancini acknowledged opposition to his reappointment but insisted that pressure is part of the job and made clear his ambition to add to Italy’s trophy cabinet.

“When you are national team coach there is always pressure, and you have to focus on the work that needs to be done,” he said. “Whenever I’ve arrived somewhere, I’ve stayed for five years, which is a long time. I want to win one or two important titles.”

“I am the national team coach and I understand that some people are against that,” he continued. “I hope the team plays well so that the public can forgive me.”

During his first spell in charge, Mancini led Italy to the Euro 2020 title and to third place in the UEFA Nations League at the expense of the Netherlands.