Roberto Mancini returns as Italy's national football coach amid controversy

Roberto Mancini is returning as the head coach of the Italian men's national football team, a move announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president, Giovanni Malagò. This appointment marks the end of a period of uncertainty for the Azzurri, who have struggled to regain their footing in international football for over five years.

Mancini, who previously led Italy to victory in Euro 2020, had resigned from the position in August 2023. His tenure from 2018 onwards was considered a period of relative success, particularly highlighted by the Euro 2020 triumph where Italy defeated England in the final on penalties. However, this success was overshadowed by the team's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing in the playoff semifinals to North Macedonia.

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I considered that the most suitable person to occupy the position of selector was Roberto Mancini

Despite the World Cup setback, Mancini continued in his role for a time, even losing the Finalissima to Argentina. Disagreements with the federation's leadership ultimately led to his resignation. Shortly after, he accepted a coaching position with the Saudi Arabian national team, a decision that was met with criticism in Italy, with some viewing it as a betrayal motivated by financial gain.

La Gazzetta dello Sport questioned the timing of Mancini's return, especially given the FIGC president's stated desire for a coach "who gives himself completely, full of passion and with total availability towards the national team." The newspaper raised concerns about appointing someone who had previously left the team in a difficult situation for a multi-million dollar contract abroad. While Mancini has offered apologies, the article suggests that for many Italian football fans, these apologies may not be enough to forget his departure.

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It is worth asking, then, to what extent is it appropriate to summon him now, at a time when we are looking for, in the words of the president, a coach 'who gives himself completely, full of passion and with total availability towards the national team,' a coach like Roberto Mancini, who just three years ago turned his back on that same national team, leaving it disoriented and in enormous difficulties. Is it appropriate, at a time when to rebuild a football system requires above all synergy and attachment to the jersey, to think of betting on someone who decided to stop fighting for that jersey, preferring a millionaire salary in Arabia? It is true that he apologized, but apologies are not always enough. And the Italy of football, that formed by millions of fans, has difficulty forgetting.