Andriy Shevchenko Urges Italy Rebuild and Milan Consistency
Andriy Shevchenko has urged Italy to trust its footballing depth as the national team begins another rebuild and Milan seek greater consistency at the start of the Serie A season.
The former Ukraine striker, now 49, retains a strong attachment to both Milan and Italy after his years with the Rossoneri. He said Milan would always hold a place in his heart and described Italy as his second home, stressing that his affection for the country was genuine rather than a courtesy.
His comments come during a difficult spell for Italian football. Italy are attempting to recover after missing three successive World Cups since 2018, while Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim, have taken 11 points from five league matches and sit fifth in Serie A.
Shevchenko calls for patience
Shevchenko believes Italy have the resources to emerge from their current slump. The former Ballon d’Or winner said there was no need for excessive alarm, arguing that the country should draw confidence from its history and the talent available to it.
He said only a number of changes were required for Italy to move forward again, adding that the right people were already in place to guide the process.
Mancini begins squad regeneration
Roberto Mancini is leading a broad reset alongside technical director Claudio Ranieri following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure as head coach in April 2026. The new regime has moved quickly to lower the age profile of the senior squad and establish a longer-term base.
Nine uncapped players have been included in Mancini’s first group, with Michael Kayode, Honest Ahanor and Samuele Inacio among the young prospects handed an opportunity. The intention is to build a side capable of restoring the four-time world champions’ standing in major international competition.
Italy’s new-look squad face an immediate examination in the UEFA Nations League. Belgium will visit Italy before away fixtures against Turkey and France, with another meeting with Turkey scheduled to conclude the international window on October 5.
Milan return to league action six days later, travelling to Sassuolo on October 11. Amorim’s side will look to turn their promising opening return into a sustained challenge closer to the Serie A leaders.
