Legend Rivera Openly Against Mancini: Return to Italy an Insult to Fans and Players

Gianni Rivera, one of Italian football’s legends, does not at all agree with the FIGC’s choice of coach, which brought Roberto Mancini back to the “Azzurri” bench. The former “Ballon d’Or” winner, in an interview for “Fatto Quotidiano,” openly attacked Italy’s current coach.

“Mancini’s return to the bench is an insult to the fans and footballers of Italy,” Rivera said. The hero of the match of the century broadened the discussion regarding the state of world football, with the magnifying glass directed at FIFA’s crisis.

“The world of football, from Blatter to Infantino, has always had money as its boss. As long as money commands, football will not change. Players today are enterprises and team up with others only on the pitch,” Rivera said.

In the end, regarding a possible promotion to the upper floors of the “football palace,” he stressed: “I have never advertised for anyone, despite the numerous proposals over the years. They don’t want me, because then as now, my ideas have long disturbed the powers that be.”