Roberto Mancini is optimistic that kicking off Italy’s Nations League journey with a victory will be just what the team needs after missing the World Cup this summer.
This Friday, Italy will host Belgium at Stadio Olimpico, marking Mancini’s return as head coach after taking over from Gennaro Gattuso.
Previously, Mancini led the Azzurri from 2018 until 2023, culminating in a triumphant European Championship win against England five years ago, which they secured through a penalty shootout.
During his initial tenure, Mancini oversaw an impressive 37-match unbeaten streak—a European record recently broken by Spain when they triumphed over Argentina in the World Cup final.
The 61-year-old recorded 38 wins out of 58 matches during his first time in charge (with 12 draws and 8 losses) before stepping down in August 2023 after failing to qualify for the Qatar World Cup, followed by a brief period managing in Saudi Arabia.
Italy has been placed in Group A1 with Belgium, France, and Turkiye, and will face all three competitors in this extended international break.
The Azzurri have previously finished third in the Nations League on two occasions, in 2020-21 and 2022-23, and Mancini believes that starting strong will help mend the bond between the supporters and the team.
“Starting well will be challenging since we’ve had only two days to prepare for this game,” Mancini told reporters regarding his goals for the Nations League.
“This is the nature of international football; we need to act swiftly and deliver results. That’s the remedy for our current troubles.”
“We aspire to reach the Nations League final four. It’s a competitive group, so it won’t be easy, but we will try our best. I’m eager to hear the national anthem,” he added.
“Many of the players have significant experience, and while there is pressure, it’s the kind that can motivate them because football is their passion, and they must enjoy it.”
Mancini style @Frecciarossa_IT #ITABEL #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/uOI84uNQR4
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) September 24, 2026
Mancini’s last match with Italy resulted in a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, securing third place in the Nations League three years prior, but his departure was overshadowed by the failure to qualify for the Qatar World Cup.
After Luciano Spalletti’s term, Gattuso also couldn’t guide Italy to the Cup, with the team losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina, marking their absence for a third consecutive tournament.
“Sadly, this is part of football; sometimes you lose in the most ridiculous ways,” Mancini commented.
“However, one of the great aspects of this sport is that it offers immediate chances for redemption. We need to be mindful of the past but concentrate on what lies ahead.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been Italy’s goalkeeper through these disappointments, shared Mancini’s sentiments. Having represented Italy since age 17, he may not have the opportunity to play in a World Cup until he’s 31 after this latest setback.
“It’s been extremely tough,” Donnarumma expressed to Sky Sport Italia. “I find it hard to articulate the feelings. This summer has been long and challenging, but now we need to start anew.”
“It’s a new era, and we have a significant game tomorrow. Like us, the fans are disheartened, so it’s our responsibility to inspire them and rekindle their love for the Azzurri jersey.”
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer fans as it represents a crucial juncture for Italy’s national team, aiming to revive its legacy after setbacks. A strong performance in the Nations League could not only restore fan morale but also set the tone for future competitions, making it a significant chapter in Italy’s soccer narrative.
Source: www.soccernews.com
