Former Italian international Fabio Cannavaro has criticized Roberto Mancini’s decision to resign as Nazionale coach shortly “before two important matches” in the race to qualify for Euro-2024. “It was a tough decision to make, but clearly he should have made that decision at another time. It was shortly before two important matches. He was wrong in the timing,” said the 2006 world champion on the sidelines of an event organized Tuesday evening by a historic sponsor of Italian football. “He has received a very interesting offer and when we receive such offers, we think about it. Mancini made his decision, you have to respect it, but he should have done it differently,” he added.
His successor Luciano Spalletti had only a few days to prepare for the matches in North Macedonia on September 9 and against Ukraine three days later, decisive for Euro-2024. “He knows how to assemble a team,” said Cannavaro (49), about the former Napoli coach. “After the European title, this team lost the hunger for victories it had until then, Spalletti has the experience to give it back,” judged the 2006 Ballon d’Or.