Roberto Mancini is targeting a fresh start with Italy as he begins his second spell as Azzurri coach, insisting his focus is on winning and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Mancini returns to the Italy dugout having previously guided the national team to Euro 2020 glory. His first spell ended in 2023 after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, with the coach subsequently taking charge of Saudi Arabia.
Italy have since endured a difficult period, missing the last three World Cups and failing to reach a knockout-stage match at the tournament since their 2006 final victory over France.
Mancini, however, is determined to look forward rather than dwell on the team’s recent disappointments.
“We must not dwell on negative things. When you embark on a new adventure, you’re eager to do something special,” Mancini said. “For me it’s a challenge and a new chapter in my career. I’m here to win and that’s the objective we all share.”
The Italy boss has also taken the opportunity to introduce several young players to the squad, handing first call-ups to nine players in his initial 34-man selection for the upcoming fixtures.
Among them are 18-year-old Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina and Brentford right-back Michael Kayode, while Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri became the 10th newcomer after replacing the injured Federico Dimarco.
Mancini believes the influx of younger players will help him identify the core of his squad for the next four years.
“I think it’s right to have some young players we can get to know in order to build a strong team for the future,” he said. “We need to understand who can stay with us for this cycle.”
Italy begin Mancini’s second reign at home against Belgium in Rome on Friday before travelling to face Turkey in Bursa three days later. The Azzurri will then meet France at the Stade de France on October 2 before hosting Turkey in Bologna on October 5.
With four matches arriving in quick succession, Mancini has opted for a larger squad as he begins the process of rebuilding Italy and preparing for the next major tournament cycle.
