Roberto Mancini has apologised for the way he left Italy as he begins a second spell as the national team’s head coach, admitting his departure in 2023 was a mistake he deeply regrets.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his return, the 61-year-old accepted full responsibility for leaving the Azzurri before taking charge of Saudi Arabia just two weeks later. His appointment marks a dramatic return following one of the most controversial exits in recent Italian football.
“I’m very sorry,” Mancini said. “It was like losing the woman of your life. It means you did something that should not have been done. I’m sorry, very sorry for everything that happened over these last three years. I’m going to try to bring the national team back where it belongs.”
Italy have endured a difficult period since Mancini’s departure. The four time world champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time after losing their play off to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The disappointing campaign led to the resignations of federation president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso in April.
Mancini guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory in 2021, delivering the country’s first major international trophy since the 2006 World Cup. However, his decision to step down in August 2023 and immediately accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia sparked widespread criticism across Italy.
Reflecting on that decision, Mancini admitted poor communication played a major role in his exit.
“It was completely my fault,” he said, acknowledging that he failed to properly discuss the situation with Gravina before leaving.
Despite his achievements with the national side, Mancini knows not every supporter will welcome his return. He expects a mixed reception when Italy begin their new campaign but hopes success on the pitch will help repair the relationship with fans.
“I realise some people will be against me,” he said. “I’m hoping the squad plays well enough that maybe people will forgive me.”
Mancini’s first game back in charge will come against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 25 September. The Italian Football Federation will hope his return can restore confidence and guide the Azzurri back among Europe’s leading national teams after another painful chapter in their recent history.
