Mazzola rejects Mancini's return: he chose the money

Sandro Mazzola, historic black and blue flag and former player of the National Team, expressed his point of view on the choice of the next Italy coach in an interview with Repubblica. The former champion clarified his position on several hot topics, from the Pirlo case to the impossibility of a return of Roberto Mancini.

“I would have preferred the confirmation of Baldini, in a longer-term perspective. Or, on the contrary, considered Conte to achieve immediate results,” declared Mazzola. On the controversy related to Pirlo‘s role as ambassador for the Russian betting company Fonbet, the former midfielder added: “It honestly seems to me to be a pretext.”

The justification is clear: “The European Union continues to import oil and gas from Russia. If you want to hit Russia, you can do much more, and certainly Pirlo is not the one who can change the course of the situation. Let’s not hide behind a finger. Moreover, I believe that sport should unite people, even regardless of governments. And more and more teams have betting agency logos on their shirts. If you don’t like Pirlo as a coach, just say it openly.”

According to Mazzola, Maldini has chosen a man he knows well, favoring the human aspect over experience on the bench. He will probably try to replicate the environment that was created at Milan with Pioli. Personally, I would have made a different choice: after Guardiola said no, I would have gone for a coach with federal experience, as Spain did. And you had him at home: Baldini.”

On the possible return of Mancini, the black and blue legend was unequivocal: “Impossible. He left the National Team for his own financial interests. And you’re talking to someone who has always put Inter above everything, both as a player and as a manager, refusing Agnelli’s Juventus and Arab money.”

Mazzola also indicated the way to support the National Team: “The FIGC and the government should work together to create ad hoc laws: a requirement in Serie A to field three Italians, in Serie B five Italians, and incentives for youth sectors through cash prizes. The presence of Leonardo can be valuable for dialogue. He has great experience and is very intelligent.”

Finally, a piece of advice for the new coach: “He should focus, if possible, on a core group of players. One mistake Gattuso made, for example, was playing Bastoni as a central defender and Calafiori as a full-back, when the Bastoni–Dimarco chain on the left had been one of Inter’s strengths.”