Roberto Mancini hopes to “win a trophy as a Coach instead” after missing out on silverware during his Italy playing career.
The new Azzurri boss makes his debut on the bench in Monday’s friendly against Saudi Arabia.
He spoke to the official Nazionale Twitter account about his experiences with the Italy side, starting from his debut in the Under-14 side.
“It was exciting. I was a child, so coming to Coverciano and seeing the photographs of all the teams and players of the past was moving.”
Roberto Mancini hopes to “win a trophy as a Coach instead” after missing out on silverware during his Italy playing career.
The new Azzurri boss makes his debut on the bench in Monday’s friendly against Saudi Arabia.
He spoke to the official Nazionale Twitter account about his experiences with the Italy side, starting from his debut in the Under-14 side.
“It was exciting. I was a child, so coming to Coverciano and seeing the photographs of all the teams and players of the past was moving.”
Mancio made his senior debut on May 26 1984 against Canada, aged 19 years, five months and 29 days.
“The senior debut for your country is the maximum aspiration for any player and I got there very young with Enzo Bearzot, so I am grateful to him. I made my debut in a team with most of the players who had won the 1982 World Cup, so that too was an indescribable sensation for one so young.
“The Italy goal I remember most fondly is the one Marco Tardelli scored in the 1982 World Cup Final.”
Mancini ended with only 36 senior caps and four goals.
“I played in every level of the Nazionale and went close to winning the Euros or World Cup, but never got there, usually due to a penalty shoot-out.
“Now I hope to win a trophy as a Coach instead. My Nazionale needs people to have faith, even if it means waiting for a few young players to grow. We need help from everyone to bring the Nazionale back where it belongs.
“If the Italy squad does well, it’s an important boost for the whole Italian football movement.”
In his presentation Press conference, Mancini thanked his parents for helping him achieve the Italy job.
“My parents were very happy, because having a child who is the Coach of the Nazionale is something that makes you proud. My parents did everything for me as a child and allowed me to leave home at the age of 13 to follow this dream.”