Fabregas: ‘Mancini is a winner, proved himself at Manchester City and Italy’ | OneFootball

Como coach Cesc Fabregas has welcomed the return of Roberto Mancini to the Italy job. ‘I always liked him, since Manchester City. He’s a winner and plays good football.’

The decision was finally made today to appoint Mancini to the Nazionale, three years on from when he walked away from the role the first time to take over the Saudi Arabia national team instead.

Following offers to Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo, the choice of Mancini feels to some like a step backwards rather than trying to modernise Italian football.

However, Fabregas disagrees with the assessment, insisting it is a positive move for Calcio.

Fabregas has faith in Mancini

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – AUGUST 24: Roberto Mancini Coach of Saudi Nation team looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Shabab and Al Ettifaq at Al-Shabab Club Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“I’ve always liked Mancini, I used to follow him at Manchester City too,” said Fabregas during a press conference today.

“I spoke to him a few times, he is a winner, he’s demanding, and he plays good football. He proved how to do it when he won the European Championship.

“I am very happy for him.”

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 15: Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Mancini was at the helm the last time Italy won silverware, lifting the EURO 2020 trophy in the summer of 2021.

However, he was also the coach when the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, losing the play-offs against North Macedonia.

At club level, Mancini won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2012, the FA Cup, three Serie A titles, four editions of the Coppa Italia, two of the Supercoppa Italiana, the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray, and the Qatar title at Al-Sadd.

Along with the coach, it was also announced that the new technical director of Club Italia will be Claudio Ranieri.