Roberto Mancini admitted that he considered resigning from the Azzurri after the World Cup qualification failure and he gave his thoughts on some talented Italian youngsters.
Italy will be forced to watch the upcoming World Cup in Qatar from home after their disastrous loss to North Macedonia in their qualifying play-off earlier this year. It’ll be the second consecutive World Cup that the Azzurri will not be taking part in, a painful situation following the heights of last summer at Euro 2020.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini first reflected on Italy’s work in the World Cup qualifiers and what went wrong.
“We did something wrong and sometimes you have to have a bit of luck, as happened at the European Championships where we deserved to win.
“We have to accept defeats, even if they are hard, and start again. In the qualifying round we were always in the lead, we dominated it as we did in Basel. The second match against Switzerland in Rome was a bit more difficult but we had that penalty in the 89th minute…
“It was a group in which we were quite calm, despite the difficulties and injuries the team did not devolve, that’s what we regret.
“Leaving aside the game with Macedonia, which was a doomed match as we conceded the goal on the first shot in the 94th minute, we went to the play-offs without ever losing.
“The desire to coach is always there, the two Nations League games gave us a little help, getting to a final stage is always good. But now the most difficult month begins.”
He confirmed that he considered resigning from his post following the qualification failure.
“When things don’t go well it’s clear that the responsibility lies with the coach, it can also be, I have also thought about leaving.”
The Italy coach gave his thoughts on the recent Cristiano Ronaldo controversy at Manchester United, when he reportedly refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before leaving the stadium early.
“I don’t know Ronaldo’s situation but, if he refused to come on the pitch, he made a mistake. I think he realised that, he still scores goals, but as he gets older it becomes more difficult. Unfortunately you can’t play forever.”
Mancini commented on some of the best players he’s ever coached.
“Ibrahimovic, Aguero and Yaya Toure. But I forget many others. For the talent Balotelli has he could have been among the greatest.”
He spoke about Nicolo Zaniolo’s future in the Italian national team.
“It’ll depend on him, it always depends on ourselves, I believed in him when he didn’t even have any appearances in Serie A or B. Time passes, it’s a moment, I expect him to do a lot for the potential he possesses.”
Finally, Mancini also discussed some of the other talented Italian youngsters.
“We brought Raspadori to the European Championship when he had only a few games in Serie A, but he has important qualities. He is a very intelligent boy and this is also an advantage.
“Kean can play as first and second striker, with us he also played as a wide player and he did well, for the qualities he showed at the beginning today he should have been the starter for the national team.
“But he is still young, I hope he can continue to improve, the doors are open for everyone.”
What about audero okoli scalvini udogie carnesschi miretti Baldanzi and other players from serieb too hope they get a chance streffera of lecce
Forward azzurri
I’m sure he could’ve mentioned a few. I do like the youngsters coming through, my only issue is none of them play for big teams competing in the champions league. Neither for Italian teams or the bigger European teams. Sadly, Italians would do better leaving this league and going to the PL or Spain. If they can play for a top 3 team, otherwise stay in serie A
As Vince Lombardi used to say “Winning is not everything, it is the only thing”…….would have, could have, should have does not count in professional sports!