Cesc Fabregas has praised Roberto Mancini following his reappointment as Italy head coach.
Mancini’s return to the national team was announced on Tuesday, with the former Manchester City boss reportedly signing a four-year deal.
He previously took charge of the Azzurri between 2018 and 2023, winning Euro 2020 before failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Mancini won 38 of his 58 games in charge (D12 L8), which included a 37-match unbeaten streak, before leaving the role to become Saudi Arabia head coach.
Throughout his managerial career, Mancini has won the Premier League with City, Serie A with Inter and the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina and Lazio, among other trophies.
His aim will now be to get Italy back among the best nations in the world, and Fabregas believes the Italian will do it.
“I’ve always liked Mancini, I used to follow him at Manchester City too,” said the Como head coach.
Roberto Mancini is the new Head Coach of the Azzurri #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/s4yNi6sUUQ
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) July 28, 2026
“I spoke to him a few times, he is a winner, he’s demanding, and he plays good football. He proved how to do it when he won the European Championship.
“I am very happy for him.”
Mancini was named Italy boss after a hectic search for Gennaro Gattuso’s replacement.
Gattuso left the role after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their last appearance at the finals coming in 2014.
Andrea Pirlo was set to be named Italy boss, but his deal fell through on Sunday, which also saw the resignation of technical director Paolo Maldini, who was in the role for just 16 days.
Claudio Ranieri has been named as the new technical director and will host a press conference alongside Mancini on Wednesday.
