Roberto Mancini: The last few months have been a roller coaster ride for the Italian national team and its fans. Last summer, the side were crowned Champions of Europe for the second time in their history. The side at that time was producing an exciting brand of football under Mancini. And went on a 37-match winning streak since he took over from Gian Piero Ventura.
However, since then, the national team has been struggling and were unable to make it directly into the World Cup. Following that they were forced into the playoffs due to a 2nd place finish in the group. Now infamously, the club suffered a shocking defeat against North Macedonia and missed their second consecutive World Cup.
Following this, a lot of speculation has surrounded the future of Roberto Mancini. With many suggesting, he should leave the position of Italian head coach for good.
Roberto Mancini: We need to start again with a new cycle
In response to this ahead of Italy’s friendly with Turkey, Mancini has spoken optimistically regarding his future with the national team.
“We need to start again. I talked to the president, we’re in agreement on everything, we’ll have time to discuss what we need to improve.
“I’m still young and I wanted to win a European Championship and a World Cup, we’ll have to wait for the second a little bit. I like this work and I know that with the players we can organise again something important. Apart from the disappointment, everything else is moving forward.
“We need to start again with a new cycle and have important matches coming up. We will certainly introduce younger players already in June for the Nations League. I hope they will get experience in their club. That’s fundamental.”
Veteran defender for Gli Azzurri and Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci has spoken in support of his national team manager.
“What the coach has given us in these three years is something unique,” Leonardo Bonucci said. “He has created an empathy that is rare to see at Coverciano (the Italy team’s headquarters).
“For us continuing with the coach is just the logical thing to do: his ideas, his human value is unquestionable. The result of a one-off match can change opinions, but those who live this every day only want to continue this path.”
