Serie A club presidents are reportedly disappointed and taken aback by the appointment of Roberto Mancini as head coach of the Italian national team, according to Corriere della Sera. The newspaper reports that the club leaders feel sidelined from the selection process.
The discontent stems from a perception that the decision was made without meaningful input from top-flight clubs, Corriere della Sera states. Some presidents had reportedly favored Antonio Conte for the role, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Corriere della Sera article characterizes the new setup as “the national team of the Roman clubs,” suggesting a concentration of influence in Rome.
Additional reporting from Corriere Roma links the decision to power networks in Rome’s northern districts, mentioning figures such as Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò, Mancini, and Claudio Ranieri in connection with the Circolo Canottieri Aniene. Former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff, speaking to Il Fatto Quotidiano, advised Mancini to focus on winning matches rather than engaging in unnecessary controversy.
Corriere dello Sport has meanwhile outlined potential tactical formations and player choices for Mancini’s Italy squad.
The situation highlights growing tension between the Italian Football Federation and Serie A clubs. Attention now turns to whether this friction will affect the national team’s performance or lead to further public criticism from club presidents.
