Mancini ready for ‘new chapter’ as Italy prepares for Nations League

Roberto Mancini failed to help Italy qualify for the 2022 World Cup, following which he resigned. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini said that he is looking forward to a “new adventure” with the side ahead of its Nations League game against Belgium on Friday.

Mancini is back for a second stint with the national team after earlier leading it to the Euro 2020 title in his first spell in charge. However, he failed to help the nation qualify for the 2022 World Cup, following which he resigned.

Italy has failed to qualify for the past three World Cups and last played a knockout game at the competition since losing to Italy in the 2006 final.

“We must not dwell on negative things. When you embark on a new adventure, you’re eager to do something special, and over the next four years we’ll bring home something special,” Mancini told reporters.

“For me it’s a challenge and a new chapter in my career. I’m here to win and that’s the objective we all share,” he added.

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Mancini has handed maiden call-ups to nine players in his 34-man squad for four upcoming games. “I expect them to bring a carefree attitude,” Mancini said.

“I think it’s right to have some young players we can get to know in order to build a strong team for the future. We need to understand who can stay with us for this cycle and, with that goal in mind, I’ve called up a larger group for the four matches we have coming up in such quick succession,” he added.

After Belgium, the four-time world champions will face Turkey in Bursa three days later, France at the Stade de France on October 2 and host Turkey in Bologna on October 5.