Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Boss for Nations League Campaign
Roberto Mancini has returned to lead Italy with an acceptance that his Euro 2021 success will not soften the reaction to his Saudi Arabia exit. Reappointed by the FIGC in July after Italy’s failure to reach a third straight World Cup, the coach has selected a 34-player group as he begins a four-match UEFA Nations League programme.
What changed for the club
Mancini stepped down as Italy manager in August 2023 before taking the Saudi Arabia job two weeks later, a decision that angered many supporters. His return places him back in charge of a national side seeking to recover from a damaging qualification cycle.
The former Manchester City and Inter coach said his Wembley triumph five years ago does not earn him any special standing now. “That belongs to the past and does not count for anything,” he said, while acknowledging supporters are entitled to feel let down by his departure.
He believes Italy must earn back trust through performances and results, with the aim of restoring the Azzurri to the level expected of them.
The initial squad contains eight players who could make their senior debuts. Mancini sees the expanded selection as an opportunity to assess younger talent closely, arguing that players without the burden of recent World Cup disappointments can bring greater freedom to the group.
- Federico Dimarco has withdrawn from the squad.
- Bryan Cristante has also pulled out.
- Matteo Ruggeri and Samuele Ricci have been brought in as replacements.
Mancini wants the newer faces to play without fear while drawing on the experience of the established internationals. He said the young players are eager to represent Italy and believes the group has the quality to deliver progress over the next four years if they receive opportunities.
Competition context
Italy’s immediate test comes in the UEFA Nations League, with four fixtures set to shape the early phase of Mancini’s second spell. A strong campaign would offer a route towards the Nations League Finals next June and provide evidence that the rebuild is taking hold.
The broader target is to construct a side capable of competing for major honours again, including a potential return to Wembley for the Euro 2028 final. Mancini has been tasked with moving Italy beyond the fallout from their World Cup qualification failures and establishing a more durable squad.
What is scheduled next
Italy begin the Nations League run at home to Belgium on Friday. Turkey follow three days later, before matches against France on October 2 and Turkey again on October 5.
Those games will give Mancini an early chance to integrate Ruggeri and Ricci, evaluate the possible debutants and show whether a refreshed Italy squad can produce the response demanded after a turbulent period.
