‎Betrayal Act! Roberto Mancini vows to win back Italy fans 

Roberto Mancini is eager to win back Italy fans to his side as he acknowledged the deep sense of “betrayal” felt by the Italians following his shock departure to Saudi Arabia three years ago.

‎Mancini is back as Italy manager as he’s tasked with rebuilding a national team that has failed to qualify for the last three World Cups.

‎However, Mancini still has some old wounds needed to heal after he unexpectedly resigned from his post as Italy manager in August 2023.

‎The former Manchester City manager moved to take charge of the Saudi Arabia national team. That abrupt exit left a bitter taste for supporters, especially as it came relatively soon after he led them to an European Championship triumph in 2021.

‎Mancini has now accepted that guiding the country to European glory five years ago will not shield him from current criticism. “I’m not in credit because that’s in the past, it doesn’t count for anything,” Mancini admitted.

Italy’s head coach Roberto Mancini gestures during a training session. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP via Getty Images)

‎He also addressed the backlash surrounding his sudden departure to the Middle East.

‎”I think that when a fan feels betrayed, they have the right to be upset, and you have to accept it,” Mancini continued. “I think to win them back, we must do things well and bring the national team back to where it belongs so things will settle.”

‎With a new era expected to begin in the national team setup, Mancini named an extended 34-man squad featuring eight potential debutants.

Italy’s head coach Roberto Mancini (C) speaks to his players during a training session in Coverciano. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP via Getty Images)

‎The manager wants his youthful contingent to play with freedom while leaning on seasoned veterans for guidance. “I think it’s right to have young players so we can get to know them directly, because that’s the most important thing to have a very strong squad in the future,” he explained. “They are very happy to be here and want to give their all for the national team. I know we’ll bring something home over the next four years… I see they have talent and they just need to be given the opportunity to play.”

‎Mancini will begin his second tenure with a demanding run of four UEFA Nations League fixtures, starting with a crucial home clash against Belgium on Friday before facing Turkey just three days later.