Fabregas Backs Mancini’s Return to Italy: ‘A Winner Proved at Manchester City and Italy’

FolioPitch.com – 28 July 2026 | Cesc Fabregas has voiced strong support for Roberto Mancini‘s return as Italy head coach, asserting that Fabregas Mancini is a winner proved himself at Manchester City and Italy. The Como manager dismissed criticism that Mancini’s reappointment is a step backwards, instead hailing the Italian tactician as a proven leader who plays attractive football.

Speaking during a press conference, Fabregas reflected on his long-standing admiration for Mancini, dating back to their time in the Premier League. ‘I’ve always liked Mancini, I used to follow him at Manchester City too,’ Fabregas said. ‘I spoke to him a few times, he is a winner, he’s demanding, and he plays good football. He proved how to do it when he won the European Championship. I am very happy for him.’

The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder’s endorsement carries weight, given his experience playing under elite coaches like Pep Guardiola and Vicente del Bosque. Fabregas’ comments underline a key narrative: Fabregas Mancini is a winner proved himself at Manchester City and Italy. At Manchester City, Mancini ended the club’s 44-year wait for a top-flight title in 2012, adding the FA Cup a year earlier. His tenure at the Etihad showcased his ability to build a winning mentality and implement an attacking philosophy.

For Italy, Mancini’s legacy is more complex. He led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory, orchestrating a record 37-match unbeaten run and a style of play that won plaudits worldwide. However, failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a playoff loss to North Macedonia remains a stain on his record. Despite this, Fabregas believes the coach’s overall body of work speaks for itself. Fabregas Mancini is a winner proved himself at Manchester City and Italy, and his return offers stability after the Italian federation’s failed attempts to lure Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and Andrea Pirlo.

Mancini’s domestic CV is equally impressive: three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia triumphs, and two Supercoppa Italiana wins with Inter Milan before his stint in England. He also won the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray and the Qatar Stars League with Al Sadd. Now, he returns to the Italian bench with the aim of rebuilding a squad that missed two consecutive World Cups. Alongside Mancini, the federation confirmed Claudio Ranieri as Italy’s new technical director.

Fabregas concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Mancini’s track record should silence doubters. ‘He’s a winner, and he proved it at Manchester City and with Italy,’ Fabregas reiterated. ‘I am sure he will do great things again.’ The message is clear: Fabregas Mancini is a winner proved himself at Manchester City and Italy, and Italian football might just be in safe hands.