Italy coach Mancini gets contract extension through 2026

Posted May 17, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 file photo, Italy coach Roberto Mancini gestures during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and Poland at Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy. Italy coach Roberto Mancini had his contract extended through 2026 on Monday, May 17, 2021, allowing him to stay in charge of the Azzurri for the next two World Cups. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File) The Associated Press

ROME (AP) - Italy coach Roberto Mancini was given a contract extension through 2026 on Monday, allowing him to stay in charge of the Azzurri for the next two World Cups.

The announcement by the Italian soccer federation came three weeks before Italy plays Turkey in Rome to open the European Championship.

Mancini led Italy to a perfect 10 wins in qualifying for the Euros. He was appointed in 2018 after the Azzurri failed to qualify for that year's World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura.

'œIt gives me a lot of satisfaction that people like the squad we've put together and I'm optimistic for the future,'ť Mancini said. 'œOver the next year we'll have the Euros, the Nations League finals and the World Cup. The goal is to win -- while realizing that it won't be easy and that it will also require some luck.'ť

Italy will also host the Nations League final four in October. The Azzurri face Spain in one semifinal, with France playing Belgium in the other semifinal.

Mancini's previous contract was due to expire after the 2022 World Cup.

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FILE -- In this Oct. 12, 2019 file photo Italy's coach Roberto Mancini looks on before the start of a Euro 2020 Group J qualifying soccer match between Italy and Greece in Rome. Mancini had his contract extended through 2026 on Monday, May 17, 2021, allowing him to stay in charge of the Azzurri for the next two World Cups. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) The Associated Press

FILE -- In this Oct. 14, 2018 file photo Italy coach Roberto Mancini gestures during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Poland and Italy at the Silesian Stadium Chorzow, Poland, Sunday . Italy coach Roberto Mancini had his contract extended through 2026 on Monday, May 17, 2021, allowing him to stay in charge of the Azzurri for the next two World Cups. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) The Associated Press

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