Gattuso backs Mancini as Italy begin another World Cup rebuild

Gennaro Gattuso says Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has left him with a lasting personal wound, but the former manager has offered his full support to Roberto Mancini after his return to the national team.

Gattuso resigned as Italy manager in April after a shock defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualifying play-off. The result meant the Azzurri missed out on the finals for a third successive tournament.

The former midfielder, who won the World Cup with Italy as a player in 2006, has since returned to club management with Lazio. He began his new spell in charge in June and marked the start of the Serie A campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bologna.

Reflecting on the end of his international tenure, Gattuso told ESPN: “I spent 10 wonderful months, and the players gave everything under my leadership. But what happened is a deep wound that will stay with me for the rest of my life, because it was extremely painful.”

Gattuso was appointed Italy manager with the task of guiding the side to the 2026 World Cup, but his time in charge ended after the play-off disappointment. His departure came despite the commitment he believes his players showed during his 10 months at the helm.

Mancini returned to the role in July, having previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023. During that first spell, he led the national side to the European Championship title, although Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Gattuso said Mancini had the experience and ability required to take charge again, and urged supporters to wish him well.

“Mancini is a great coach and has extensive experience. I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart because Italian football badly needs that. He is a capable manager and has previously won trophies with the national team,” said Gattuso.

Mancini, 61, was not initially the Italian Football Federation’s preferred candidate for the position. Andrea Pirlo had emerged as a leading contender after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declined the opportunity.

However, an investigation connected to Pirlo’s sponsorship contract with a betting company prevented the appointment from being completed. At the same time, the Lega Serie A favoured Antonio Conte for the job. The federation ultimately chose Mancini.

The latest change in leadership comes as Italy attempt to recover from another failure to reach football’s biggest tournament. For Gattuso, the disappointment remains deeply personal, even as his focus shifts back to the domestic game with Lazio and his attention turns towards supporting his successor.

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