Mancini hints he will stay on Italy boss after World Cup disaster

The European champion was beaten by North Macedonia in Thursday's qualification playoff semifinal for this year's tournament in Qatar, sparking talk he could resign.

FILE PHOTO: Roberto Mancini's contract runs till the following World Cup in 2026, being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Roberto Mancini dropped a big hint on Monday that he will stay on as Italy coach despite the Azzurri failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a second successive time.

The European champion was beaten by North Macedonia in Thursday's qualification playoff semifinal for this year's tournament in Qatar, sparking talk he could resign.

"I've spoken with the (Italian Football Federation) president (Gabriele Gravina) in the last few days, I think we're on the same page on pretty much everything," Mancini told reporters ahead of Italy's friendly with Turkey in Konya on Tuesday.

"We will speak about it again in the coming days, we'll see each other again after this match. Then we'll take our time to talk about what can be improved for the future. That's it."

Names including 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti were touted after Italy's 1-0 defeat in Palermo last week.

Mancini's contract runs till the following World Cup in 2026, being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.