Roberto Mancini Steps Down as Italy Head Coach
Roberto Mancini has stepped down as head coach of the Italian national team. The 58-year-old guided the national side to victory at Euro 2020, as well as a third-place finish in the Nations League in 2021 and earlier this year.
Italy are currently in the process of qualifying for Euro 2024, with upcoming matches against North Macedonia on September 10 and Ukraine on September 12. Italy currently sit third in their qualifying group, having lost to England and beaten Malta in March.
Earlier this week, Mancini was named co-ordinator of Italy’s youth teams, giving him greater influence within the national set-up. A statement from the Italian Football Federation on Sunday read:
“The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national team, received yesterday late in the evening. Thus concludes a significant page in the history of the Azzurri, which began in May 2018 and concluded with the 2023 Nations League Finals; in between, the victory at Euro 2020, a triumph conquered by a group in which all the individuals have known how to become a team. Taking into account the important and close commitments for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers (10 and 12 September with North Macedonia and Ukraine), the FIGC will announce the name of the new national coach in the next few days.”
Mancini’s Success with Italy
Mancini was appointed as head coach of Italy in May 2018, taking over from Gian Piero Ventura. He immediately set about rebuilding the team, bringing in a number of younger players and creating a more attacking style of play.
The results were immediate, with Italy winning their first six matches under Mancini’s guidance. They went on to qualify for Euro 2020 with ease, finishing top of their qualifying group.
At Euro 2020, Italy were one of the favourites to win the tournament and they did not disappoint. They won all five of their matches, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over England in the final.
Mancini also led Italy to a third-place finish in the Nations League earlier this year. They defeated Spain in the semi-final before losing to France in the final.
What’s Next for Italy?
With Mancini now gone, Italy will be looking for a new head coach to lead them through their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The FIGC have said that they will announce the name of the new coach in the next few days.
Whoever takes over from Mancini will have a tough job on their hands. Italy have been one of the most successful teams in Europe over the past few years and will be looking to continue their success at Euro 2024.
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