‘It was like losing the woman of my life’: Roberto Mancini apologizes after Italy’s dramatic comeback

Italy’s new coach Roberto Mancini poses during a press conference on July 29, 2026 in Rome. (AP photo) Roberto Mancini has apologized for the way he left Italy three years ago after officially returning as head coach of the crisis-hit national team, admitting his departure was “totally my fault” and vowing to return the Azzurri to their former glory.The 61-year-old has been reappointed as Italy coach after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the third consecutive year the four-time champions have missed out. A humiliating play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this year prompted the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso, leaving the national team looking for a fresh start.Speaking publicly for the first time since his return, Mancini offered an emotional apology for resigning in August 2023 before taking charge of the Saudi national team just two weeks later.

“I’m so sorry… It was totally my fault.

Mancini admitted he regretted the manner of his departure, likening it to losing “the woman of your life”.“I’m very sorry,” Mancini said. “It was like you lost the woman of your life. And that means you did something that shouldn’t have been done. So I’m sorry, I’m also very sorry for everything that happened in the last three years. … I’m going to try to get the national team back where it belongs.”The former Manchester City and Inter Milan manager also accepted responsibility for the communication breakdown that led to his departure.“It was completely my fault,” Mancini said, referring to the lack of communication with Gravina.Aware that many supporters remain angry about how he left the job, Mancini acknowledged that he would have to win back their trust.“I realize some people will be against me,” Mancini said. “I hope the team plays well enough that people will forgive me.”

Italy returned to the hero of Euro 2020

Mancini returns to the job he transformed between 2018 and 2023. After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he rebuilt the national team with a youthful, attacking approach that culminated in their memorable Euro 2020 triumph over England at Wembley.His first spell also included a world record 37-match unbeaten run, although failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a shock play-off defeat to North Macedonia tarnished that achievement.Although Mancini remained in charge, he stunned Italian football by resigning in August 2023 before accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. He later coached Qatar’s Al-Sadd after leaving the Saudi role.His return comes after Italy explored several alternatives, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turning down the position, while Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy was canceled due to political concerns surrounding the sponsorship deal.Italy’s new era under Mancini begins with a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium on September 25 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.