Roberto Mancini’s return to coach Italy after a disappointing World Cup absence is a narrative ripe for media manipulation. Here we have a classic case where outlets like ESPN and the BBC will likely tout Mancini’s “successful” history, glossing over the inconvenient truth that Italy missed the tournament entirely—a colossal failure in footballing terms. Why the cozy framing? Because it serves a narrative that promotes a feel-good story instead of confronting reality.

Let’s be real: these outlets will sell you hope like it’s stock on Wall Street. Mancini’s past successes with the national team will be emphasized, while the blaring alarm of Italy’s recent inadequacies is muffled under a pile of corporate feel-good rhetoric. How did they get here? By focusing on his former glory and spouting recycled quotes about resilience, conveniently ignoring the underlying issues that plague Italian football.

Meanwhile, the likes of Fox Sports will pivot to a “turning point” angle, ignoring that a true rebuilding phase is needed for Italy’s football. This isn’t just a managerial switch; it’s a revelation of how quickly narratives shift and how propaganda works in sports. The truth is, Mancini’s return is a distraction, a shiny object for fans to focus on while the deeper problems fester beneath the surface.

Will the mainstream media hold Mancini accountable for the failures that led to his departure? Don’t count on it. Instead, expect a parade of soft interviews and celebratory features that serve to cushion the reality of Italy’s footballing woes.