Marianna Mancini, the mother of coach Roberto Mancini, opened up about her son’s Azzurri resignation and admitted that ‘he never really got over Gianluca Vialli’s death’.
The 58-year-old Italian coach unexpectedly resigned from his post with the national team yesterday, ending a five-year spell in charge. He oversaw 61 matches during his time with the Azzurri and guided the team to victory at Euro 2020.
Reports later emerged that Mancini had agreed a lucrative three-year deal with the Saudi Arabian national team, a move that drew much ire from supporters. Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte are now the favourites to take over for the Azzurri.
Speaking to Quotidiano Nazionale via Calciomercato.com, Mancini’s mother Marianna was first asked if she knew about his resignation beforehand.
“Nothing, I swear to you. I found out from my cousin. She called me a little while ago and said that they had said on TV that Roberto had resigned. I was surprised too.”
She then commented on if he had complained about his role in recent months.
“Look, I’ll explain something. We and Roberto never talk about his work. That has always been our relationship.
“We only care that he is well. He is now in France on holiday, and I still haven’t heard from him. I’ll certainly talk to him later and we’ll also try to understand something more.”
She touched on when she last saw her son.
‘We actually just saw each other! He came here on August 2 for my birthday. We had a nice party. Then on the 5th he left and went to Sardinia for the birthday of Filippo’s daughter.
“We speak often if that’s the case, but we’ve never talked about the national team. He is a very honest and generous person, you know that. Roberto is a good person.”
Mancini admitted that her son is still dealing with Vialli’s death.
“That’s right, Roberto has a big heart. He never really got over Gianluca Vialli’s death. He was very attached to him.”
She was asked if something in particular bothered him with the national team.
“I don’t know, really. In Gianluca’s place they decided to put someone else (Buffon, ed.), but I don’t even remember who it is. They made the decision a few days ago, if I’m not mistaken.”
Finally, Mancini spoke about what she thinks will happen next.
“I have no idea, I’ll call him and talk to him as I always have. If he wants, Roberto will explain to me why he took this decision and we, as his parents, will always be close to him. This will always be his home.”
his mother told him to get balotelli for the world cup qulification he did not listen