Roberto Mancini apologizes in his first public comments since being rehired to coach the Italy men’s national team, three years after leaving the role for a contract with Saudi Arabia. Italian media report that Mancini acknowledges his earlier departure and expresses regret, saying he is “very sorry.”
His return comes after Italy fails for a third consecutive cycle to qualify for the World Cup. Following that outcome, the Italian football federation president, Gabriele Gravina, and coach Gennaro Gattuso resign in April, soon after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to multiple outlets, Mancini describes his previous exit as entirely his fault and uses a personal comparison to convey the seriousness of his apology. The new appointment is positioned as the start of a fresh period for Italy as they seek to rebuild following the qualification setbacks. The next phase includes Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League match.
