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Sport: SoccerCountry: ItalyCategory: Contracts

Mancini returns to coach Italy and apologizes for previous exit

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 6:30 PM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Mancini returns to coach Italy and apologizes for previous exit
Summary

Roberto Mancini expressed remorse during his first comments after being reappointed as Italy's national team coach on July 29, 2026. His return comes three years after he left the role for a lucrative position with Saudi Arabia. Italy is currently facing significant challenges, prompting Mancini's return to help stabilize the squad. The team’s immediate future will involve preparation for upcoming international competitions as they aim to regain their competitiveness.

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Status Watch
  • •Roberto Mancini apologized for leaving Italy's coaching position three years ago.
  • •He was reappointed on July 29, 2026, as Italy faces a crisis.
  • •Mancini’s departure to Saudi Arabia raised questions about Italy's leadership.
  • •His focus will be on preparing Italy for upcoming international competitions.
Latest Updates
  • 6:33 PMESPN Soccer — Mancini 'sorry' for previous exit after Italy return
  • 6:06 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘I’m very sorry’: Mancini apologises after being reappointed as Italy head coach
What they're saying
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Mancini quit Italy job to take over Saudi Arabia in 2023 ‘Some will be against me … maybe people will forgive’ Roberto Mancini issued an apology in his first public comments after being reappointed as the Italy head coach, three years after he abandoned the same job for a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia. “I’m very sorry,” Mancini said. “It was like losing the woman of your life. And it means you did something that shouldn’t have been done. So I’m sorry, very sorry also for everything that happened over these last three years … I’m going to try to bring the national team back where it belongs.” Continue reading...

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Roberto Mancini issued an apology in his first public comments Wednesday after being rehired to coach an Italy squad in crisis three years after he abandoned the same job for a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia.

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