Returning Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he hopes to win back fans upset with him for leaving the national team three years ago. Mancini was reappointed in July to revitalize Italy after they missed a third straight World Cup. He led Italy to Euro 2021 glory but resigned in August 2023, taking over Saudi Arabia two weeks later.

"I'm not in credit because that's in the past," Mancini said Monday. "When a fan feels betrayed, he has the right to be upset, and you have to accept it. To win them back, we must do things well and bring the national team back to where it belongs."

Italy face four UEFA Nations League matches: Belgium at home Friday, Türkiye three days later, France on Oct. 2, and Türkiye again on Oct. 5. Mancini called up 34 players, including eight potential debutants. Federico Dimarco and Bryan Cristante withdrew, replaced by Matteo Ruggeri and Samuele Ricci.

"It's right to have young players so we can get to know them," Mancini said. "I want a team that dominates, plays well, and always gives maximum. You can't always win, but we will try. We are all very positive."