New coach Mancini vows Italy ‘rebirth’
CHELSEA COACH HEADED FOR EXIT DOOR DESPITE THE SILVERWARE
Top Italian FA official Alessandro Costacurta yesterday welcomed Roberto Mancini’s decision to recall Nice striker Mario Balotelli as the new Italy coach promised a “rebirth” of the national side.
Balotelli, who has not played since Italy’s humiliating group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup, has been recalled by Mancini for three upcoming friendlies.
And Costacurta said Balotelli’s form at Nice had warranted him being given another a chance.
“Becoming a parent does change you and nobody can attest that more than Mancini,” said the former AC Milan defender and current federation deputy commissioner.
Balotelli — who Mancini coached at both Inter Milan and Manchester City — has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for the Azzurri but had been overlooked due to behavioural issues.
Mancini took over last Monday, six months after Gian Piero Ventura was sacked following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, and takes charge of his first game against Saudi Arabia in St Gallen, Switzerland on May 28. “Usually big disappointments can lead to great triumphs,” Mancini said.
‘50 million coaches’
“In difficult moments, that is when Italy found their pride and these players must take us back to the top of the world, where we deserve to be. I want this to be the Italy of rebirth.”
Mancini and Costacurta were speaking on the sidelines of the Kick-Off 2018 event organised by the Italian FA at Coverciano, near Florence. “I think Italy are still a football superpower, as we have 50 million coaches,” joked Mancini about Italy’s passionate fans. “I’m always very positive in general, even if people say Italy no longer has as much talent. We had perhaps too much talent all together when we won the World Cup, but now we just need to give them time to grow and develop, keep the faith towards a good future.”
Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup-winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.
Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday’s final at Wembley.
Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty was followed by a backs to-the wall display as Conte won the second trophy of his two-year reign in what may prove his final game in charge.
Whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.
The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club’s hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season’s Premier League title triumph.
Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions. But the former Juventus and Italy coach is adamant his managerial style has made him a “serial winner” who should be respected.
In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club.
No extension
Amid post-match celebrations, he declared: “After two years, the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me.
“I can’t change. My way is always the same; hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players.
“I can’t change. I’m this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager.
“You can say what you want, but I’m a serial winner.
“I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I’ve showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy.
“There are moments that you have a lot of questions for yourself. To win in this way this season gives me more satisfaction than my wins in the past.”
Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juventus, has one year left on his contract after signing an improved deal without an extension at the end of last season.
But the 48-year-old has given the impression for much of the season that he would have no problem leaving Stamford Bridge because he knows he would still be in demand from top clubs.
Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken. “I always say I’m committed to this club, to respect my contract,” he said.
“As you know very well, our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I’m the first to understand.
“I’m the coach of a great, important club. It’s right that the club demands of me a lot. For sure we’ll make the best decision.”
Mourinho’s jibe
Jose Mourinho bemoaned old foe Conte’s tactics as his side failed to break down Chelsea’s defensive wall on Saturday.
“I congratulate them because they won but I don’t think they deserved to win,” Mourinho said. “I’m curious to read today and tomorrow, to watch, to listen [to] your [the media’s] opinions.”