ANSA 09/22/2026

ANSA - Mancini confident of bringing something home in next four years

Dimarco and Cristante pull out of squad for Nations League matches

Roberto Mancini said he is confident his second stint in charge of Italy will be a success as it got under way on Monday with the start of the training camp for the Azzurri's upcoming Nations League matches against Belgium, Turkey, France and then Turkey again.
    "I am sure we will bring something home over the next four years," Mancini told a news conference at Italy's Coverciano training base near Florence.
    "I never set out to lose—winning is essential, and we need to try to achieve it quickly.
    "We are positive; I know a thing or two about players.
    "I'm very happy, we've experienced many beautiful moments here".
    The Azzurri won Euro 2020 in 2021 with Mancini on the bench but they also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup under him - the second of a record three consecutive non-participations for the four-time world champions.
    He will be without AS Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante and Inter full back Federico Dimarco for the Nations League encounters after they pulled out of his squad due to fitness problems.
    Mancini called up Como's Samuele Ricci and Aston Villa's Matteo Ruggeri respectively to replace them.
    His first squad for the second stint has a youthful feel, with Ruggeri's arrival taking the number of uncapped players in it up to 10.
    "I called up lots of young players because I am convinced they will be useful in the construction of a strong team for the future," said Mancini.
    "I am highly intrigued by the prospect of building the Italy side with these lads; I've called up so many of them to see them up close—I'm curious to see them in action.
    "The first thing I told them is that you have to have fun; if you don't enjoy yourself in sports, you don't get results.
    "I expect them to bring a sense of lightness, and then we'll quickly try to figure out who can be part of the project".
   
   

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA