Gian Piero Ventura revealed that he has ‘made peace with nightmares and ghosts’ after Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and weighed in on Roberto Mancini’s resignation.
Mancini unexpectedly resigned from his post with the Italian national team earlier this month and is now widely expected to sign a lucrative three-year contract with the Saudi Arabian FA. A report today listed 10 staff members he may bring from the Azzurri to the Middle East.
Luciano Spalletti, fresh off his historic success with Napoli, was appointed to replace Mancini and many are now eager to see his first outings with the national team in next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Speaking on page five of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Ventura first silenced claims that he was bitter with the Azzurri following his acrimonious departure.
“I have never perceived the common ill as half a celebration, believe me. I cheered for the Azzurri’s victory at Wembley, and I was deeply sorry that the national team missed Qatar in 2022.
“You don’t know how many people called me in those days to interview me and I always refused because there was the risk of being instrumentalised.”
He reflected on Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and how things were different four years later.
“I have made peace with nightmares and ghosts.
“But I am still surprised when people say that the exit against Sweden was an unprecedented disaster, despite the fact that Sweden went on to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, and the exit four years later against North Macedonia, who were 70th in the world rankings, is considered just an accident of the road.
“In 2022 everyone was to blame, in 2018 only one. But it is pointless to dredge up the past…”
The former coach was asked to give his opinion on Mancini’s shock resignation from the Azzurri.
“When you don’t know the situations well, it’s difficult to pass judgements. Mancini says one thing, the FIGC another.
“But it is clear that from the point of view of image, we came out badly and a different way had to be found.”
Finally, Ventura discussed Italy’s appointment of Spalletti.
“I’m happy for Italy and for Luciano. After the season he won with Napoli, this is the icing on the cake of his important career.
“It’s not an easy task but he will have enormous motivation. I saw him grow, I sought him out as a player, I helped him start his career as a coach. I wish him the best of luck.”
the most irrelevant man in Italain football
Ventura, the worst manager ever. Not interested your thoughts