Roberto Mancini has apologized for the way he left Italy three years ago after his official return as coach of the crisis-hit national team, admitting his departure was “completely my fault” and vowing to return the Azzurri to their former glory.The 61-year-old has been reappointed as Italy coach following the team’s failure to qualify for 2026. FIFA World Cupwhich marks the third consecutive edition that the four-time champions missed. The humiliating playoff defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the start of the year led to the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso, leaving the national team looking for a fresh start.Speaking publicly for the first time since his return, Mancini offered an emotional apology for stepping down in August 2023 before taking over the Saudi Arabian national team just two weeks later.
“I’m so sorry… It was completely my fault”
Mancini admitted that he regretted the way he left, comparing it to losing “the woman of your life”.“I’m very sorry,” Mancini said. “It was like losing the woman of your life. And it means you did something that shouldn’t have been done. So I’m sorry, very sorry also for everything that happened in these last three years. … I will try to return the national team where it belongs.”The former Manchester City and Inter Milan manager also accepted responsibility for the breakdown in communication that led to his exit.“It was completely my fault,” Mancini said, referring to a lack of communication with Gravina.Aware that many supporters remain upset by the manner in which he left the post, Mancini admitted he should have won back their trust.“I understand that some people will be against me,” Mancini said. “I hope the team plays well enough that maybe people will forgive me.”
Italy turned around Euro 2020 hero
Mancini returns to the job he transformed between 2018 and 2023. After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he rebuilt the national team with a youthful, attacking approach that culminated in their memorable Euro 2020 triumph over England at Wembley.His first spell also included a world record 37-match unbeaten run, although failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a shock playoff defeat to North Macedonia overshadowed that achievement.Despite his leadership, Mancini shocked Italian football by resigning in August 2023 before accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. He later coached Qatar’s Al-Sadd after leaving the Saudi Arabian role.His return comes after Italy explored several alternatives, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declining the position, while Andrea Pirlo’s bid was dropped amid political concerns over a sponsorship deal.Italy’s new era under Mancini begins with a UEFA Nations League clash against Belgium on September 25 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.