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News ID: 52959
Publish Date : 15 May 2018 - 20:38

New Italy Coach Mancini Vows to Restore Azzurri Pride

FLORENCE, Italy (AFP) - New Italy coach Roberto Mancini on Tuesday said he wanted to restore pride in the national side six months after their shock failure to qualify for the World Cup.
"Not going to the World Cup is difficult for those who, like us, have always been cheering for the national team," Mancini told a press conference at the national training centre at Coverciano, near Florence.
"I feel the need to do something for the national team and think it's the right time for me. I want to build something for the years to come and bring Italy back to the top."
Italy have been without a permanent coach since Gian Piero Ventura was sacked after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Former Manchester City and Inter Milan coach Mancini signed a two-year deal on Monday after severing his lucrative contract with Russians Zenit Saint Petersburg.
The contract, reportedly worth two million euros ($2.3 million) a year, will see Mancini lead Italy's bid to qualify for Euro 2020. If successful, it will be automatically extended until June 2022, ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
*******Roberto Mancini has enjoyed club success at Manchester City, Inter Milan and Galatasaray