Italy legend gives verdict on coaching carousel
Marco Materazzi, the 2006 World Cup winner, has given his backing to Roberto Mancini returning as Italy head coach, while also predicting José Mourinho will “put pressure on Barcelona” after taking over at Real Madrid. The former Inter defender, who played under both managers, spoke to Corriere dello Sport, offering a candid assessment of two of the summer’s biggest coaching stories.
Mancini’s potential Italy comeback
Mancini sensationally left the Italy job in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia, ending a five-year spell that included the euphoric Euro 2020 triumph but also the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. With the Azzurri currently assessing their options after Vincenzo Montella’s departure, Materazzi believes his old Inter boss could be the ideal candidate.
“He left the national team a few years ago,” Materazzi said. “If he has the desire to return and take on a big responsibility, he could be an important part of the solution.”
The 52-year-old tactician is reportedly open to a second stint, and Materazzi’s endorsement will carry weight given his iconic status in Italian football. Mancini’s possession-based style transformed the national team during his first tenure, and his return would be seen as a unifying move after a turbulent period.
Mourinho’s second coming at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment at Real Madrid has dominated headlines, marking his return to the Bernabéu 13 years after his first spell ended. Materazzi, who won the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League under the Portuguese at Inter, is convinced the move will reignite La Liga’s rivalry.
“He is the right coach for Real Madrid. Perhaps his playing style is not aesthetically exciting, but it brings results. He’ll break the balance and put some pressure on Barcelona,” Materazzi added.
Mourinho left Inter in 2010 to join Real, where he famously clashed with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. His pragmatic approach has often been criticised, but Materazzi insists that winning is all that matters. Madrid will hope the 63-year-old can deliver the consistency they lacked last season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Materazzi believes Roberto Mancini “could be an important part of the solution” if he returns as Italy head coach.
- Mancini left the Azzurri in 2023 after a mixed spell that included Euro 2020 glory and World Cup qualifying failure.
- Materazzi says José Mourinho’s style “brings results” and will “put pressure on Barcelona” after his Real Madrid return.
- The former Inter star played under both managers and remains a respected voice in Italian football.
Quick Facts
Mancini’s Italy record: 39 wins, 18 draws, 14 losses (2018–2023)
Mourinho’s first Real Madrid stint: 2010–2013 (1 La Liga title, 1 Copa del Rey)
Materazzi’s honours: World Cup 2006, 5 Serie A titles, 1 Champions League (all with Inter)
