Mancini: ‘Italy criticism needs balance, happy FIGC resolved, many miss Vialli’

BURSA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, looks on before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Coach Roberto Mancini pays tribute to Gianluca Vialli, is glad the FIGC saga around Giovanni Malagò has ‘been resolved’ and warns we need ‘balance’ after mixed Italy results.

The CT had already mentioned his old friend, teammate and colleague Vialli in the press conference following last night’s 3-1 Nations League victory over Turkiye.

When asked what was missing compared to his first stint in the Nazionale, he replied in a quiet voice “Gianluca Vialli,” earning a spontaneous and emotional round of applause from the assembled media.

Mancini always thinking of Vialli

Today, Mancini thought of Vialli again, as he was attending an awards ceremony in honour of the legend.

“I don’t think I am the only one who misses Vialli, as he was so important as a teammate, as a director of the Nazionale. He was something special,” confessed Mancini.

“When we were at the Coverciano training camp, I was always thinking of him. When we played in Rome, I remembered he used to pretend to be doing something and running late, just so he would be the last one on the bus.”

This is his second stint as Italy coach and he was appointed by FIGC President Malagò, whose June election was voided today due to not having the correct paperwork.

With the need to put the FIGC under a special commissioner, the CONI found a loophole by simply appointing Malagò to the role, effectively replacing himself in a different job title until fresh elections in December.

“I am happy that it has been resolved. It seems that everyone is pleased with the outcome, so that is positive.”

Mancini won EURO 2020 on the Italy bench, and the performances in the Nations League raised both vicious criticism of the 2-0 defeat to Belgium, and immense praise for the wins over Turkiye and 1-1 draw in France.

“It was a positive experience with the lads, even though I don’t think this is an ideal format. We need to have balance, because the first match wasn’t a disaster, nor is it vice versa now.”

The Italy Under-21 side secured qualification for the European Championship next summer by crushing Poland 6-2 yesterday.

“They deserve congratulations, there are many talented lads who will reach the senior squad.”