Directed by Roberto Mancini. Photo = Getty Images Korea
[동아닷컴]
Italy, who suffered a shocking defeat and could not participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have decided to continue coaching Roberto Mancini (58).
The Associated Press reported on the 29th (Korean time), “The Italian Football Association has decided to continue working with Mancini despite their recent failure to qualify for the World Cup finals.”
He added, “The Italian Football Association and manager Mancini have extended their contract until May 2026. It is a whopping four-year extension.
This is a contract until the 2026 North and Central America World Cup qualifiers. Manager Mancini will lead the team to the finals of the tournament if Italy succeeds in qualifying for the finals.
Earlier, on the 25th, Italy failed to advance to the finals after losing 0-1 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup European qualifying play-off against relatively weak North Macedonia.
At that time, Italy was unable to open the North Macedonian goal despite a wave of offensive. As a result, Italy failed to advance to the finals for the second consecutive World Cup following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
What is even more surprising is that Italy was the team that won Euro 2020 last year. The reaction of Mancini’s contract extension is unexpected.
In response, Mancini said, “I’m still young, and I want to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.” “This result is disappointing, but I can move forward as one with the players again.”
Italian veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci also showed confidence in Mancini. “What Mancini has given us over the past three years is very special,” said Bonucci.
He continued, “Mancini has taught us something special during this time,” he said.
Italy, who could not participate in the World Cup, the best stage in the world for the second time in a row, was put in a position to play again with the goal of winning Euro 2024.
See more articles by reporter Jo Seong-woon from Donga.com madduxly@donga.com
