Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits it might be better for the Nazionale if Serie A didn’t resume, but he will adjust to deal with the effects of this stretched season.
This was the first European country to be badly hit by coronavirus and some regions have been under lockdown for two months, with football halted on March 10.
“Let’s be honest, I too am fed up of being stuck at home and 60 days is enough to drive anyone crazy,” Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits it might be better for the Nazionale if Serie A didn’t resume, but he will adjust to deal with the effects of this stretched season.
This was the first European country to be badly hit by coronavirus and some regions have been under lockdown for two months, with football halted on March 10.
“Let’s be honest, I too am fed up of being stuck at home and 60 days is enough to drive anyone crazy,” Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I try to train in the morning and, if the weather is nice, enjoy the terrace in the afternoon. Of course, what I miss the most is seeing my parents and it is them I am most worried about. Hearing the stories of people who were unable to even say goodbye to their loved ones because of this virus is just heart-breaking.”
The FIGC and Serie A are working out plans to resume training and hope to be playing by the end of May or start of June.
“As the CT of the Nazionale, I could say that it would be better – egotistically speaking – if Serie A did not resume, because if they play so many games in a row during the summer, they won’t get a break and could then be more susceptible to injuries.
“However, I know that my players can’t wait to get back out there, so I hope for them that we can get it done as soon as possible.”
Italy had been set to play in Euro 2000 this summer, but the global pandemic has forced a postponement until next year.
“We’re going to have a packed September, between Nations League and 2022 World Cup qualifiers,” continued Mancini. “It won’t be easy and we might have to call up more than the usual 23-24 players. I hope the team can continue playing with that quality that the people love and of course by winning.”