Roberto Mancini has called it quit as the Italian national team’s head coach ahead of crucial European games.
The former Manchester City manager declared that he’s stepping down from his position, and the Italian Football Federation confirmed his resignation via a statement on Sunday, 13th of August.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said that the former Lazio manager had notified them of his decision to step aside.
The Federation took to their social media page and released a statement following Mancini’s resignation which reads: “Taking into account the important commitments of Euro 2024 qualifiers, the FIGC will announce the name of the new national coach in the next few days”.
Roberto Mancini has been a crucial part of the Italian national team since his appointment in 2018, guiding the Azzurri to a record-breaking 37 games unbeaten run, lasting three years from October 2018 to October 2021.
The 58-year-old former Inter Milan manager recorded 37 victories, 15 draws, and nine losses during his spell with the Azzurri.
The former Fiorentina head coach guided Italy’s national team to triumph at Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 campaign where they defeated England in a penalty shootout to emerge as champions. He also led the country to a third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and early 2023.
On September 10 and 12, Italy will play North Macedonia and Ukraine as they attempt to qualify for Euro 2024.
They currently hold the third spot in their qualifying group after beating Malta in March and losing to England in February.
However, the four-time world champions Italy missed out on the 2022 World Cup for the second time in a row and could only achieve two third-place finish in the Nations League under Mancini.
On September 9, Italy will lock horns against North Macedonia, and three days later, they will host Ukraine.
Their other qualifiers include Malta and England, who they lost to at home in Naples in March by a score of 2-1.
On October 17, the Azzurri will take on the Three Lions at Wembley in a UEFA Nations League qualifier.
Mancini, a former midfielder for Sampdoria and Italy, guided Manchester City to their first Premier League championship in 2012.
Before managing Italy, Mancini had won 13 club football championships with Manchester City and Inter Milan.
In 2012, he helped Manchester City win their first English league title in 44 years. He also helped Inter win three Serie A championships. He also helped Inter, Fiorentina, and Lazio win the Italian Cup.
Roberto Mancini potential replacement
Since Mancini’s departure was made public, Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti have been mentioned in connection with their role in the Italian media.
Since leaving Tottenham in March, Conte has been jobless, and Spalletti left Napoli at the end of the 2022–23 season after leading the team to the Serie A championship.
Fabio Cannavaro, a former world champion who has coached in China and Saudi Arabia, has also been mentioned.
What’s next for Italian Football Federation?
The Italian Federation will announce Mancini’s replacement in the coming days.
Therefore, It is up to Mancini’s successor to get Italy back on track with only a few days to prepare for the games in early September.
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