Sport · Singapore Bureau
Mancini overhauls Italy squad with nine new faces for Nations League
Roberto Mancini has begun his second stint as Italy head coach by naming an expanded 34-player roster for upcoming Nations League matches. The squad refresh comes as the team seeks to rebuild following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
LSN Singapore ·
The Italian Football Federation confirmed Mancini's enlarged squad selection on Friday, marking a significant shift in approach after the national team's disappointing campaign that resulted in missing out on qualification for the next World Cup. The expanded roster includes nine uncapped players, signalling the 60-year-old coach's intention to inject fresh talent into a squad that requires substantial restructuring.
Mancini's appointment represents a fresh start for Italian football following a turbulent period. His first tenure as coach ended in 2023 after guiding Italy to the Euro 2020 championship, but his successor struggled to maintain momentum through the World Cup qualification process.
The Nations League fixtures provide an opportunity for Mancini to assess emerging talent and establish a new winning formula ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded squad size suggests the coach intends to evaluate multiple options across positions as he builds towards future major tournaments.
Mancini previously demonstrated his ability to revitalise the Italian national team, having implemented a defensive-minded system that proved successful at Euro 2020. His second appointment signals the federation's confidence in his capability to restore the team to competitive standing on the international stage.