Mancini refuses to answer Italy coach Spalletti: ‘More important things’

Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini refuses to hit back at Luciano Spalletti after the Azzurri CT joked that his predecessor had been hacked: ‘There must be more important things, right?’

Ex-Italy coach Mancini didn’t reply to Spalletti after the Azzurri boss said his predecessor had been hacked.

Mancini liked an Instagram post from Francesco Acerbi on Sunday, when the Inter defender explained why he refused to play for the Italy national team, as he did not feel part of Spalletti’s project.

“Either someone stole his phone or is going around putting likes on things to make him look bad,” Spalletti said on Thursday, but Mancio refused to reply.

Mancini refuses to hit back at Italy coach Spalletti

“I mean, there must be more important things, right?” the ex-Azzurri coach said during an event on Friday, as quoted by Gazzetta.

Spalletti replaced Mancini as Italy’s national team coach in September 2023. Saudi Arabia appointed Mancini a few weeks later, but the Italian resigned in October 2024.

“I miss coaching, but it’s part of the job. Football is strange. Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks,” Mancini added on Friday.

Mancini’s view on Norway game

In the meantime, Italy will play a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Norway tonight.

“I think it’s important to start on the right foot,” argued Mancini.

“Norway is a good team, and the matches must be played.”

Erling Haaland’s country has already collected six points in the opening two games in Group I, while Italy will make their debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this evening.