In a move that stunned football enthusiasts, Roberto Mancini, the man behind Italy's dazzling European Championship win in 2021, resigned as the national team's coach. This resignation marks the culmination of a roller-coaster journey, characterized by soaring highs such as the Euro triumph but marred by a missed spot in the recent World Cup.
The Italian Football Federation, in an official statement, confirmed that Mancini had relayed his decision to resign "late last night." With Euro 2024 qualifiers looming on the horizon – fixtures against North Macedonia and Ukraine scheduled for September 10 and 12 – the pressure is mounting on the federation to find Mancini's successor in the coming days.
Appointed in May 2018, Mancini was the torchbearer of hope for the Azzurri fans. He took charge at a time when Italian football was grappling with the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, a debacle overseen by his predecessor, Gian Piero Ventura. Embracing a refreshing approach, Mancini infused the squad with youth and an attacking flair, transforming Italy into a force to reckon with in the Euro 2020, which was delayed by a year due to the pandemic.
Noteworthy was Mancini's knack for spotting talents ahead of the curve, exemplified by his call-up of the then-Roma forward, Nicolò Zaniolo, even before he made his Serie A debut. However, his journey wasn't devoid of challenges, as he often grappled with the scarcity of budding talents emerging from the Italian league, which has been reticent in fielding young players.
Speculations are rife about the future trajectory of the 58-year-old tactician. Before helming the national side, Mancini had already etched his name in club football's annals, having clinched league titles with giants like Inter Milan and Manchester City. Additionally, his legacy as a player, with remarkable stints at Sampdoria, Lazio, and Italy, further cements his status in the footballing world.
In tandem with Mancini's departure, the federation finds itself at a crossroads, as the women's team coach, Milena Bertolini, also vacated her role following the Azzurri's inability to move beyond the Women's World Cup group stage.
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