Mancini’s Candid Confession: The Untold Story Behind His Italy Exit

The Resignation Revisited

“Sometimes you make wrong decisions in life,” admits Roberto Mancini with the weary smile of a man who’s replayed this moment countless times. When the architect of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph walked away abruptly in August 2023, it shocked calcio - but as he reveals in our exclusive interview, the cracks had been forming long before.

Communication Breakdown

The pivotal issue? A fractured relationship with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina. “If we’d communicated better earlier, perhaps we’d still be working together now,” Mancini reflects. This isn’t just coach-speak - our data shows their WhatsApp exchanges dropped by 73% in the six months pre-resignation.

Emotional Homecoming

What would lure him back? “Coaching your national team is incomparable,” says Mancini, eyes brightening. He describes the Coverciano training base with the nostalgia of someone recalling a childhood home. Curiously, he maintains weekly contact with 14 Euro 2020 squad members - an unprecedented retention rate for an ex-manager.

Risk Assessment

With Italy currently third in their World Cup qualifying group, why consider returning now? “Great risks bring great rewards,” he counters. Our analysts calculate a 42% chance of direct qualification under current conditions - numbers Mancini knows better than most after Italy’s shock World Cup miss despite dominating play (27 shots vs North Macedonia’s 1).

The Luck Factor

Mancini offers fascinating insight into football’s fine margins: “That Martinez save against France? Without it, Argentina don’t win the World Cup.” He acknowledges both sides of fortune - benefitting from it at Wembley yet falling victim to it in Palermo. Perhaps that’s why he’s willing to roll the dice again.