Grief felt by Roberto Mancini for the absent, as football's resumption takes a back seat
Roberto Mancini's Road to the Euros: A Coach's Journey
The anticipated match between Italy and Turkey, slated for June 12, 2020, was poised to open the European Championships in Rome. Roberto Mancini, the Italian coach tasked with redeeming the Azzurri following their 2018 World Cup absenteeism, would have graced the bench that day at the Olimpico. However, the Coronavirus pandemic flipped the calendar, halting all planned sports events, and the Euros were postponed to 2021.
Reflecting on the situation, Mancini shared his sentiments with IL, describing the current global predicament as "unimaginable, sudden, and dramatic." He expressed his deep concern over the rising number of infected and deceased individuals, remarking, "I hope this nightmare ends soon, that we can return to a normal life... I can't help but think of all the families experiencing these losses."
As we weather this storm, retracing the career of a prominent figure in our football landscape might offer a brief respite from the harsh reality. Let us begin with his triumphs.
Mancini's most remarkable victory, as a player, was undeniably the championship with Sampdoria in the 1990/91 season. Securing this title was an accomplishment few could have envisioned, and possibly repeated.
The coach's most significant achievement in coaching circles came when he led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012. For an Italian coach, earning a title abroad holds great significance, and this victory, coined a comeback and achieved in the last second of the final game of the championship, embedded itself deeply in Manchester City's history.
Regarding the most formidable defender he faced during his playing career, Mancini did not provide a specific name, citing a plethora of skilled defenders he encountered in Italian football. Notable names included Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi, both well-known for their defensive abilities. Mancini, known for his attacking skills, honed his craft primarily during his time at Sampdoria, a team he helped lead to multiple titles, including the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Mancini's football career saw him conquer the pitch with Sampdoria, securing the championship in the 1990/91 season, a feat few could replicate. His coaching legacy includes leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012, a remarkable comeback foreign triumph that echoes in the club's annals.
