Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina has backed coach Roberto Mancini to proceed in his function regardless of the group failing to qualify for this yr’s World Cup in Qatar.
Italy, which didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup, missed out on soccer’s world showpiece once more after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at house to North Macedonia in Thursday’s playoff semi-final.
Since lifting their fourth World Cup trophy in 2006, Italy haven’t performed a knockout sport within the World Cup, having solely gained one group stage match on the finals in that point.
“I hope Mancini continues with us,” Gravina stated.
“He has a commitment with us for this project. I hope he can shake off this elimination just like all the Italians and that he remains at the helm to continue our work together.”
The Azzurri had been feted as nationwide heroes after they gained the European Championship in July 2021 however the group have crashed again to earth after lacking out on the World Cup finals for the second time working.
“Just as we accepted the praise last summer, we must accept the criticism coming our way, but I must try to protect this national team,” Gravina added.
“We go forward with heads held high. We must not lose the enthusiasm of last summer… Criticism is fine, but we don’t want the risk of doing even more damage.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
