Roberto Mancini pays tribute to Gianluca Vialli, says he is happy that the FIGC matter involving Giovanni Malagò has been “resolved,” and calls for “balance” after Italy’s up-and-down results.
The head coach had already remembered his old friend, teammate, and colleague Vialli in the press conference after Italy’s 3-1 win over Turkey in the Nations League.
When asked what was missing compared to his first spell in charge of the national team, Mancini answered in a hushed voice: “Gianluca Vialli,” receiving a spontaneous and moved round of applause from the journalists present.
Mancini always thinks of Vialli
Today Mancini returned to speak about Vialli during an award ceremony dedicated to the Italian legend.
“I don’t think I’m the only one who misses Vialli, because he was very important as a teammate and as a national team executive. He was a special person,” Mancini admitted.
“When we were in camp at Coverciano, I always thought of him. When we played in Rome, I remembered that he pretended to be busy and to arrive late, so that he would be the last to get on the bus.”
This is Mancini’s second spell in charge of Italy. The coach had been appointed by FIGC president Malagò, whose June election was annulled today because he had not submitted the correct documentation.
With the need to appoint an extraordinary commissioner at the FIGC, CONI found a solution by appointing Malagò himself to this role, effectively replacing him with a different position until the new elections scheduled for December.
“I’m glad it was resolved. It seems to me that everyone is satisfied with the outcome, so it’s a positive thing,” Mancini stated.
Mancini asks for balance after Italy’s results
Mancini won EURO 2020 on Italy’s bench, while the results obtained in the Nations League brought both harsh criticism after the 2-0 defeat to Belgium and great praise for the win over Turkey and the 1-1 draw in France.
“It was a positive experience with the lads, even though I don’t think this is an ideal format. We must have balance, because the first match was not a disaster, just as the opposite is not true now,” the head coach explained.
Meanwhile, Italy Under 21 secured qualification for the next European Championship thanks to the clear 6-2 victory over Poland obtained yesterday.
“They deserve congratulations, there are many talented lads who will come into the senior national team,” Mancini concluded.