Roberto Mancini steps down as Italy manager: Decoding his stats
In a shocking development, Roberto Mancini has stepped down as the Italy manager 10 months before the 2024 Euros. Mancini took charge of the team back in May 2018 in the aftermath of Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup that year. He got the Azzurri back on track by winning the 2021 Euros as they defeated England in the finals. Here's more.
A replacement will be named soon: Italian Football Federation
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has assured that Mancini's successor will be named very soon. They also released a statement announcing Mancini's resignation. "The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national team, received late yesterday evening." The federation needs to act quickly with crucial matches lineup up.
A look at his stats as Italy's manager
The 58-year-old tactician managed Italy from May 2018 to August 2023. In these five years, he managed 61 matches and guided the Azzurri to 37 wins. Mancini also got outwitted nine times while they played out 15 draws. He had an impressive 60.66 win percentage. Under him Italy scored 123 goals and conceded only 45, proving his exceptional defensive organization.
Longest international unbeaten run
Mancini's men scripted the longest international unbeaten run when they remained unbeaten in 37 consecutive games. Italy broke Brazil and Spain's previous joint record of 35 matches unbeaten, with their 0-0 draw against Switzerland (2021). The run consisted of 30 wins and seven draws, with 93 goals scored and just 12 conceded. Argentina also came close with an unbeaten streak of 36 games.
The European Championship triumph in 2021
Italy under the tutelage of Mancini won the 2020 European Championships They comprehensively won all three group-stage matches against Turkey, Switzerland and Wales. Azzurri defeated Austria 2-1 in the round of 16 clash followed by another 2-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-finals. They won the semi-final against Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout. Gianluigi Donnarumma's heroics helped them win the final against England.
Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup
Italy finished second with 16 points behind Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers to enter the second round. Shockingly, they lost 1-0 against North Macedonia bringing an end to their World Cup dreams. This was the second edition in a row that they missed.
Who will be Mancini's successor?
As per Gazzetta dello Sport, former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is in pole position to replace Mancini in the big role. Some reports have also suggested the name of former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, who guided the Partenopei to the Serie A last season. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is also in the mix but with the season already started, it looks very unlikely.
