Roberto Mancini embarks on his bid to turn around Italy’s fortunes for a second time as coach this week, but he also needs to win over sceptical fans left apathetic towards the Azzurri after an unprecedented series of setbacks. 

The four-time world champions have hit one embarrassing low after another, having failed to qualify for the past three World Cups, leaving fans dispirited. Mancini has admitted that they need to “win back” supporters, starting with Friday’s Nations League match against Belgium in Rome.