Italy is once again reeling after failing to reach a second straight World Cup, throwing away automatic qualification before falling to a devastating defeat in the play-offs to North Macedonia.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini did not discuss his own future but told distraught fans on Saturday that “accepting even defeats in life is part of a healthy path of human and sports growth”.
Italy are aiming for World Cup glory despite having to navigate a treacherous playoff path in order to get the 2022 tournament, with North Macedonia the first barrier in their way.
Former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has urged youngsters in typically stern terms to “play football, go running and climb the stairs at home” in a bid to get fit.
Two years ago this week, the Italian national team hit arguably the lowest moment in their history. One of the most famous footballing countries in the world did the unthinkable and failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has suggested Mario Balotelli will not be part of his final Euro 2020 squad.
Roberto Mancini will not consider himself among the greatest Italy managers of all time until he has delivered a couple of World Cups – but winning the European Championship would certainly be a start.
Cheer up, Frank Lampard! These managers had losing starts too, but some of them did all right at their clubs in the end …
Italy coach Roberto Mancini is unhappy with supporters who jeered Leonardo Bonucci during the nation’s 0-0 draw with Portugal in Milan on Saturday.
Portugal made sure of a place in the Nations League finals as they scraped a fortuitous 0-0 draw away to a dominant Italy on Saturday.