Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini for Italy Return: 'He Understands the Game Really Well'

Walker’s Endorsement

Former Sampdoria and England defender Des Walker has thrown his weight behind Roberto Mancini to become the next Italy head coach, insisting his ex-teammate "understands the game really well." The pair shared a dressing room at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the early 1990s, and Walker’s respect for Mancini’s footballing brain remains undimmed.

"He was always two steps ahead of everyone else," Walker recalled. "As a player, he saw passes no one else did. As a coach, he reads matches in a way that few can. Italy needs someone with that vision right now."

Teammates Turned Advocates

Walker, who earned 59 caps for England and played for Sampdoria from 1992 to 1993, highlighted the deep understanding he and Mancini developed on the pitch. "We just clicked. I’d defend, he’d create. He made my job easier because I always knew where he wanted the ball," said the former centre-back. That trust has translated into a firm belief that Mancini is the man to revive the Azzurri.

Mancini, 61, memorably led Italy to EURO 2020 glory, ending a 53-year wait for a major international trophy. He left the post in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia, but after parting ways with that job earlier this year, he is now available and reportedly open to a sensational return.

Italy’s Coaching Conundrum

The FIGC is in the market for a new head coach after Italy’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. Drawn into a tough group with Brazil and Serbia, the Azzurri managed just one win and failed to reach the knockout rounds, prompting the federation to dismiss Luciano Spalletti. With a rebuild needed before the next European Championship, the choice of successor is critical.

Walker’s endorsement adds to a chorus of former players and pundits calling for Mancini’s return. "He has a proven track record with these players and knows the Italian system inside out. He’d hit the ground running," Walker added.

Quick Facts

Said by: Des Walker

Position: Former England and Sampdoria defender

Endorsing: Roberto Mancini for Italy head coach

Key attribute: "Understands the game really well"

Key Takeaways

• Des Walker, ex-England and Sampdoria defender, has publicly backed Roberto Mancini for the Italy job.
• Walker and Mancini were teammates at Sampdoria and share a strong mutual respect.
• Italy are searching for a new coach after a group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup.
• Mancini, who won EURO 2020 with Italy, is currently available and is a leading candidate.
• Walker praised Mancini’s tactical intelligence, saying he "understands the game really well."