On Wednesday, Roberto Manzini apologized for coaching Saudi Arabia after his reappointment as Italy's new coach. In a special press conference announcing the news, he said: 'It was like losing my wife forever,' indicating that he had done something he shouldn’t have.
Manzini added: 'I am very sorry, so I am very sorry, extremely sorry for everything that happened over the past three years. I will try to bring the team back where it belongs.' This statement comes after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, leading to the resignation of the Italian Football Federation under Gabrielle Griffo and coach Giancarlo Gasperini.
Manzini (61) had led Italy to victory at the 2021 European Championship but resigned in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia's team two weeks after his departure from Italy.
Reactions
Spanish coach Sessk Fabregas welcomed Manzini's return, while Giovanni Malago, head of the Italian Football Federation, admitted that time constraints forced them to appoint the former manager.
Refusal by an Italian Legend
Gianni Rivera, a legendary figure in Italian football, stated that he does not favor Manzini's return.
