Roberto Mancini has apologized for leaving Italy three years ago after officially returning as head coach of the crisis-hit national team, admitting his departure was “totally my fault” and vowing to return the Azzurri to their former glory.The 61-year-old was reappointed as Italy coach following the team’s failure to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cupmarking the third edition in a row the four-time champions have failed. A humiliating playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this year led to the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso, leaving the national side looking for a fresh start.Speaking publicly for the first time since his return, Mancini offered an emotional apology for resigning in August 2023 before taking over the national team in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago.
‘I’m so sorry… It’s my fault’
Mancini admitted he regretted the way he left, comparing it to losing “the woman in your life.”“I’m very sorry,” Mancini said. “It’s like losing the woman in your life. And it means you’re doing something that shouldn’t be done. So I’m sorry, also sorry for everything that happened in the last three years. … I’ll try to bring the national team back 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’s completely my fault,” Mancini said, referring to the lack of communication with Gravina.Knowing that many supporters remained angry at his departure from the job, Mancini acknowledged that he had to earn their trust.“I know some people are going to be against me,” Mancini said. “I hope the squad plays well so that maybe people will forgive me.”
Italy returns to: Euro 2020 hero:
Mancini returned to the job he changed between 2018 and 2023. After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he rebuilt the national side with a young, forward-thinking approach that led to their memorable Euro 2020 victory 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 dented that achievement.Despite remaining in charge, Mancini shocked Italian football by resigning in August 2023 before accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. He later coached Al-Sadd in Qatar after leaving the Saudi role.His return comes after Italy examined a number of alternatives, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola refusing the position, while Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy was dropped amid political concerns surrounding a sponsorship deal.Italy’s new season under Mancini begins with a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium on September 25 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.