Despite Quali-KO
Coverciano (dpa) – Despite the embarrassing elimination in the World Cup qualifiers, Roberto Mancini wants to remain coach of the Italian national soccer team.
“I’m still young. My goal was always to win the European Championship and the World Cup,” said the 57-year-old after he had been encouraged by many to continue. “I think I can still have fun and build something important here.”
After Italy won the European Championship trophy last summer, Mancini has to wait for the next attempt at the World Cup. Italy will only be watching in Qatar 2022 because the Azzurri lost their play-off qualifier against North Macedonia last week (0-1).
Unique mood by Mancini
The selection coach’s contract runs until the 2026 World Cup in North America. After the recent bankruptcy, he initially left open whether he wanted to fulfill the contract or resign. Association boss Gabriele Gravina as well as a number of players, experts and commentators spoke out in favor of staying. The ex-professional reported that he was in line with Gravina. “We’ll talk more in the next few days. Then we’ll take our time to discuss which things can be improved.”
Defender veteran Leonardo Bonucci, who was injured against the North Macedonians, praised a “unique” atmosphere that Mancini had created since taking office in 2018. “So it’s only a logical consequence for us to continue with the Mister,” said Bonucci. The 34-year-old himself also wants to remain in the national team in order to be a leader and example for young players. It is still unclear whether Bonucci’s partner in defence, captain Giorgio Chiellini, will continue.
Instead of playing for the last ticket to the World Cup in the play-off final in Portugal, the Italians will play a friendly in Turkey on Tuesday (8.45 p.m.). The Turks had lost their playoff semi-final against Portugal in qualifying.