Mancini: 'I'm here to win as soon as possible' as Italy boss eyes silverware in second stint

Roberto Mancini has declared he is back as Italy head coach to "win as soon as possible", as he prepares to lead the Azzurri into a fresh Nations League campaign eyeing more silverware.

Mancini was brought back in at the end of July, ending a long and chaotic search for a new boss that included multiple setbacks and failed talks with several big-name coaches. He replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who failed to secure World Cup qualification for the third edition running.

In his first spell between 2018 and 2023, Mancini guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title and oversaw a 37-match unbeaten run — a European record only surpassed by Spain during this summer's World Cup triumph. He also delivered two third-place finishes in the Nations League (2020-21 and 2022-23).

His second stint begins against Belgium on September 25, followed by a double-header against Turkiye either side of a trip to France.

Building with youth

Mancini has called up a wave of young players while leaving some experienced names at home, explaining: "We don't know how long it will take, but we'll have to be quick in understanding the players we have and figuring out what they can give us in the future. Some experienced players have remained at home, but they might be useful in the future. We already know them, so we wanted to get to know the young ones."

"We have important matches coming up, official games right from the start, with no room for mistakes. We have to win and climb back up the rankings," he added.

The 61-year-old is confident about the next generation: "In the past, we didn't have many [young players]. We are happy they are flourishing now. They have the technical skills and physicality. In the past, we had enormous technical quality and not so much physicality."

A bold promise

Mancini did not shy away from setting lofty expectations for his return.

"I'm here to win. I never started to lose. I'm here to win as soon as possible, if we can manage to," he said. "I'm curious to see the younger lads at work; to build a team with these lads. It's something that makes me curious. I'm sure we'll get satisfaction."

"When you start doing something, you want to do it beautifully and keep the fans entertained. I know we'll take something home over the next four years. I know something about footballers; they only need to play."

He added: "I want a team that dominates and plays well. You can't always win, but we'll try. We have nothing negative."

Dimarco blow

Italy have been dealt a blow ahead of the camp, with Federico Dimarco ruled out of all four games through injury after picking up an issue with Inter. Aston Villa's Matteo Ruggeri has been called up in his place.