National team, Roberto Mancini unbalances on possible surprise returns

“The doors of the national team are open to everyone,” said the coach.

While personally calling the qualification for the Nations League Final Four “a soup” when compared with the huge disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup, national team head coach Roberto Mancini said he was enthusiastic about the climate that has returned to the Azzurri and optimistic about a future in which there could be surprises from the point of view of the players called up.

“The door to the national team is open to everyone,” he said during a speech he gave at the Social Football Summit 2022, “even to those who have had some incorrect behavior. We have many good young people, we have to give them the chance to play and also the chance to make mistakes.”

Mancini also addressed the issue of possible resignation after the loss against North Macedonia, however, confirming that he feels he is the right man to lead the national team: “I remained in my post because winning with Italy was the best thing in my career,” he explained. “In addition, I felt the trust of management and players despite the disappointment. The goal is not to fail for the third consecutive time: we will try to win the 2026 World Cup.”