Roberto Mancini was satisfied with Italy’s qualification to the Final Four of the Nations League and underlined the team’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the upcoming tournament in Qatar, meaning they’ll have to wait until 2026 for the chance to lift the World Cup once again. The tournament, hosted in Canada, the United States and Mexico comes exactly 20 years after Italy won the 2006 World Cup.
Speaking at the Social Football Summit in Rome, Mancini first reacted to Italy’s successful qualification to the Final Four of the Nations League.
“We deserved the Final Four of the Nations League, we beat England who could win the World Cup in Qatar.
“The guys put everything into it at a time when their conditions are not optimal, we changed our system of play and they did well.”
He highlighted the Azzurri’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
“To play a World Cup we have to wait another four years, but we want to try to go to America and win, that’s our goal.”
The Italian coach revealed what convinced him to stay in the role after the World Cup qualification failure.
“Everyone was very positive towards me, then winning the European Championship is the best thing there can be in my job.”
Finally, Mancini commented on the difficulties of not receiving a call-up to the national team.
“When I was young I did almost everything, so I understand the guys. The door to the national team is open to everyone, even to those who didn’t behave right at the moment.
“Just apologise to your teammates.”
The other teams joining Italy in the Final Four of the Nations League are Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain.