Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 29 Jul 2026
Mancini: Leaving Italy was like losing the love of my life
Roberto Mancini admits his departure from Italy was a huge mistake and hopes fans can forgive him.
R. Mancini
coach
Role
Italy head coach
Previous departure
Left in 2023 for Saudi Arabia
Regret
Calls it a misunderstanding and mistake
What happened. Roberto Mancini, in his first press conference since returning as Italy head coach, expressed deep regret over leaving the national team in 2023, calling it a lack of communication and a mistake.
- Mancini said the 2023 exit was a miscommunication with then-president Gravina.
- He hopes to bring Italy back to its former glory and earn fans' forgiveness.
- Mancini was reappointed after a chaotic search involving Maldini, Leonardo, and Pirlo.
“It’s like losing the love of your life. It means you made mistakes.”
— Roberto Mancini
Mancini now leads Italy alongside technical director Claudio Ranieri.
In this story
ItalyMore to read
Football Italia
Mancini’s first Italy press conference: Reasons for optimism and concern
The Guardian
‘I’m very sorry’: Mancini apologises after being reappointed as Italy head coach
Football Italia
Liveblog: Italy unveil Mancini and Ranieri as new coach and director
Football Italia
LIVE: Mancini is the new coach, Italy have wasted time
