Mancini returns to Coverciano but refuses to discuss Italy national team links

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli of Italy pause for the camera before to the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Netherlands and Italy at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 7, 2020 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The topic of discussion quickly turned to the Italy national team and their loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March.

“There are times when things go well and we’re all happy, but this is part of sport. You win some and you lose some,” said Mancini, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup while he was in charge of the Nazionale.

“Sometimes incredible things happen. That’s football. We need to roll up our sleeves and continue working.

“If you read what Kimmich said about Germany, Italy has won more than them in the last 10 years. We had done good things. Our national team will have good players in the future to get back on its feet. The same goes for club teams.”

Mancini refused to answer, though, when asked if he is interested in a potential return to the Italy set-up: “I’m here to accept this award, not to talk about anything else. Next question?”

Mancini was then asked which Italy youngsters have impressed him the most this season.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

He said: “The one who has impressed me the most is Palestra. Cancellieri also has great qualities, not much is said about him. There are good players.”

And when asked again about his next career steps once his time with Al-Sadd comes to an end, Mancini replied: “I have to finish the season with Al-Sadd. Sometimes the phone rings. Usually it’s my children who call me.”