Roberto Mancini, the manager of the Italy national football team, visited Expo 2020 Dubai to inspect the venue after leading his team to victory at UEFA Euro 2020 this summer.
Mancini, 57, visited the Italy Pavilion, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, the Women’s Pavilion, Garden in the Sky, and the UAE Pavilion, among other places.
Can you explain why you’re here today at Expo 2020 Dubai and what your highlights have been so far?
It’s the first time for me to be here in Expo [2020] and I can say it’s a fantastic Expo. I saw only two pavilions until now because it’s [so] big: Saudi’s fantastic pavilion and Italy is a very nice pavilion, both very good.
Did you attend Expo Milan 2015?
Yes, I visited Expo in Milan [six] years ago. It was totally different. Every Expo is a different experience.
You just visited the Women’s Pavilion – how was your experience and what can be done to help equality in sport and in football?
It’s a very nice pavilion – it’s an important pavilion for all of us and for the future. I saw many games [of women’s football] and I think that [it] improved a lot.
You have enjoyed a long relationship with the UAE during your career – are you enjoying being back here and looking forward to seeing the UAE Pavilion?
I came to the UAE many times and I love this country. Now I will go to visit the UAE Pavilion – I think that it will be good, because I saw something on [a] video and I’m very excited to go there.
How can football and, more widely, sport makes the world a better place?
I think that it depends on all of us. Football can improve the world. I think sport is a fantastic moment for everyone.
