Des Walker Backs Mancini for Italy Return: ‘He Understands the Game Really Well’

FolioPitch.com – 07 July 2026 | Former England and Sampdoria defender Des Walker has come out in strong support of his former teammate Roberto Mancini for a potential return to the Italy national team hot seat. In an exclusive interview, Walker stated that Mancini ‘understands the game really well’ and is the most talented player he has ever played alongside. The keyword ‘Ex England Sampdoria Defender Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini For Italy Hot Seat Understands The Game Really Well’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of this story, as Walker’s endorsement could sway public opinion in Italy.

Walker, who spent the 1992-93 season at Sampdoria alongside Mancini, spoke glowingly of the Italian’s footballing intelligence. He described Mancini as a manager with clear ideas who is not afraid to implement his vision. “He understands the football game. He is his own man. He does things his own way and has his views,” Walker said. “He has managed Italy before so they know his style, they know his views, they know his ways. If they are going to employ him again then that’s what they want.” The endorsement comes at a time when the Azzurri are searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti. Many have criticized the idea of a Mancini return, but Walker believes the former Manchester City boss possesses the necessary qualities to lead Italy once more.

Discussing their time together at Sampdoria, Walker revealed that Mancini’s awareness and skill set him apart from any teammate he has had. “He was the most talented by a long way. The things he did in training defied logic. I played with Nigel Clough. He had a great awareness of everyone around him. However, Mancini was still 30% better. Most of the time he never looked. He just knew where every player was. His skill level was another level. In training it was difficult enough but in games, some of the things he did was frightening.” This firsthand account underscores why ‘Ex England Sampdoria Defender Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini For Italy Hot Seat Understands The Game Really Well’ is a statement that carries weight within football circles.

Walker’s praise extends beyond Mancini’s playing days. He believes the Italian has what it takes to succeed as a national team coach, especially given his previous tenure leading Italy to Euro 2020 glory. “Very rarely do you get a national team manager that gets a re-run. So you’ve had a test of him already. That must be what they want,” Walker added. The former Nottingham Forest defender also noted that Mancini was effectively already a manager during their time at Sampdoria, indicating his natural leadership. “Between me and you I think he was already the manager when I was at Sampdoria,” Walker quipped.

The potential return of Mancini to the Italy bench has divided fans and pundits. Some point to his successful spell, while others highlight the team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup under his guidance. However, Walker’s endorsement provides a compelling argument in favor of Mancini. He emphasized that a manager needs to have clear ideas and be unwavering in his approach. “I think you need that as a manager. You need one manager and you need him to go his way,” Walker stated.

Des Walker’s comments were made during an appearance on The Italian Football Podcast, hosted by BetVictor. His backing of his former teammate is likely to be welcomed by Mancini, who has been linked with a return to the Azzurri job. The keyword ‘Ex England Sampdoria Defender Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini For Italy Hot Seat Understands The Game Really Well’ resonates throughout the football community as a powerful vote of confidence.

In conclusion, Des Walker’s strong support for Roberto Mancini could play a role in the discussions surrounding Italy’s next head coach. With the Azzurri needing a steady hand, Walker’s belief that Mancini ‘understands the game really well’ may be exactly what the Italian federation is looking for. Whether Mancini will indeed return remains to be seen, but having a former teammate and respected defender like Walker in his corner certainly bolsters his case.