Serie A clubs preferred Conte over Mancini for Italy coach role

Ezio Maria Simonelli, president of Lega Serie A, has confirmed that Italian top-flight clubs preferred Antonio Conte over Roberto Mancini for the role of Italy national team head coach. While Mancini was the initial choice of Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò, Simonelli noted that the preference for Conte had been expressed by clubs on several occasions.

Despite the differing preferences, Simonelli emphasized that the decision was between two elite coaches and called for unity. He stated that all parties must now support Mancini to help return the national team to its deserved level. The Lega Serie A is also open to discussing increased training camp opportunities in Coverciano to facilitate better collaboration between clubs and the national team.