Roberto Mancini: New boss aims to 'bring Italy back' - and may recall Mario Balotelli
Last updated on .From the section European Football
New Italy manager Roberto Mancini hopes to restore the Azzurri to their former glory - and may recall Mario Balotelli.
Mancini was appointed on Monday after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
"I hope that I can be the person who brings Italy back to a significant triumph," he said. "I will certainly speak with Balotelli also."
The striker, 27, played under Mancini at Inter Milan and Manchester City but has not played for Italy since 2014.
After unsuccessful spells with Liverpool and AC Milan, Balotelli has rebuilt his reputation with Nice in Ligue 1.
But Italy have dropped to their lowest-ever Fifa ranking of 20th after the four-time winners missed out on this year's World Cup in Russia.
Mancini, who won 36 Italy caps, has managed Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg since leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012.
"The failure to qualify for the World Cup caused mourning and this shows how important it is for our country," added the 53-year-old.
"To coach the national team is a reason to be proud for anyone. I think that it's the right moment for me.
"To be able to win something with Italy would be unique. It's a difficult time and there's a lot to do."
Mancini's first match in charge will be a friendly against Saudi Arabia on 28 May before Italy play France and Holland in June.
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Italy should beg him to come back most of their forwards just aren't performing
Shame immobile isn't bagging em for Italy as he is a quality striker one of the best in the world rn
I think if insigne plays behind balotelli and immobile then Italy will have a great chance of winning games as they are tactically astute especially defensively with a composed midfield
Class on his day and if I'm honest always liked him as a player. Very intelligent but work rate a bit poor. Has the ability to change games with a class long shot and has the ability to change a game and Italy have very few of these type of player at international level.
Mancini knows the player probably better than most and knows what he is doing.
Can you name better strikers in Italy ? I'm struggling
Rumours of a move to Marseille this summer for him too !
A, balotelli is not and never will be world class.
B, Italy are NOT at the world cup.
You are another fool who doesnt even read the article before commenting on it.
Who could forget the look on the faces from Salford on TV when the word got through that Aguerooooooo scored the winner at 93:20!
Thank you Roberto.
Thank you Roberto Martinez!