Donnarumma backs Mancini return after Guardiola snubs Italy
- Source
- Manchester Evening NewsLocal press
- By
- newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jack Flintham)
- Published
Key points
- Guardiola rejected Italian FA's offer to manage the national team this summer, choosing rest instead
- Mancini returns to Italy after Ancelotti also turned down the job; faces Belgium in Nations League tonight
- Donnarumma says squad wanted Mancini back and vows to restore Italy to World Cup contention
Summary
Gianluigi Donnarumma has backed Roberto Mancini's reappointment as Italy manager after Pep Guardiola declined the role. The Manchester City goalkeeper said the squad had wanted Mancini's return, citing their shared history and the bond of affection between them from their Euro 2020 triumph.
Guardiola left City this summer and turned down Italy's lucrative offer to manage the national team, preferring to rest and spend time with his family. Mancini, who previously led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, takes charge for the first time since his return tonight against Belgium in the Nations League. Donnarumma stressed the need to work towards restoring Italy to World Cup contention, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the nation's history.
Original headline
Man City star Gianluigi Donnarumma thanks Italian FA for manager pivot after Pep Guardiola rejection
Summarized and translated from the original report by FutbolDesk's editorial AI and checked automatically against the source. Details may differ — read the original for the full story. Copyright of the article belongs to the publisher and the journalist; for copyright questions and takedown requests, see the Copyright page.