Gravina: We want Mancini to remain coach
The President of the Football Federation of Italy, Gabriele Gravina, supported the coach Roberto Mancini, despite the defeat from Macedonia, which meant the end of the Azzurri's hopes for the World Cup in Qatar.
Gravina said he wanted Mancini to remain coach and not resign.
"I hope Mancini will continue his mission and remain in charge," said Gravina.
Italy lost to Macedonia 1-0 in Palermo on Thursday thanks to a goal by Aleksandar Trajkovski and left the Azzurri to miss the World Cup for the second time in a row.
- Last summer we were happy because we became European champions and we gladly accepted all the praise. Now we have to be strong enough and put up with the criticism because we deserve it. "But we see Mancini in the future as a coach," Gravina added.
Roberto Mancini sat on the bench of the Azzurri in 2018 and became European champion last year after beating England in the final at Wembley in London.