Roberto Mancini Confirms To Stay In The Italian National Team

Roberto Mancini (Instagram @ mrmancini10)

JAKARTA – Roberto Mancini is said to have remained in the chair of the Italian national team even though he failed to bring the Azzurri squad to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar at the end of this year.

The fate of the 57-year-old coach was under threat due to not being able to bring Italy to the finals of the four-year event. However, the latest information says he will continue to coach the Azzurri.

Earlier the Italian media Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport reported that the coach had decided to remain in charge of the national team. The statement was later confirmed by Mancini himself while attending a press conference ahead of Turkey's opponent.

"I want to win the European championship and the World Cup. I have to wait for the World Cup, but I like this job and I want to organize something important," said Mancini.

"We've been talking these few days. I think we have the same idea in every way. We'll talk again in the next few days. Now, let's focus on the game, then we'll see what we have to improve in the future. Everything is here," said Mancini continued.

Mancini's stay in the coach's seat is a decision that goes against what usually happens in football. Usually after a big failure like not qualifying for the World Cup, the coach is usually kicked out.

However, so far the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has given no sign of sacking the coach. Mancini who decided to stay also hinted that he would make a major overhaul in the squad.

"We can see the potential of young players. The current team, with a few additions, could have won the World Cup. There are many things we need to see, of course, we will change something in the next game. We have to look at the European Cup in two years and prepare the team to qualify. This is our job," said Mancini.

Mancini had already extended his contract until 2026 just weeks before last year's European Cup. He then managed to bring his team to become champions in the event, but instead failed to make it to the World Cup that year.

Mancini will accompany his squad against Turkey at the Konya Buyuksehir Stadium on Wednesday, March 30. This match is part of FIFA Matchday to win points to improve rankings.