Roberto Mancini was positive about Italy’s chances in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, where they’ll face off against England, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta.
The Azzurri will be desperate to secure a spot in the upcoming European Championships in Germany after their disastrous World Cup play-off defeat to North Macedonia earlier this year, and they’ll have a chance for revenge for that fateful evening in Palermo in the qualifiers. England will also be keen for revenge after losing the Euro 2020 final to the Azzurri last year.
Speaking to RAI Sport after the Euro 2024 qualifying draw, Mancini first discussed Italy’s chances of reaching the tournament in Germany.
“I was sure that we would have drawn one of England or France, the group seems reasonable, the challenges are not all easy but they are all to be played.
“With Southgate we know each other well but if it continues like this it’s good enough for us, I don’t know if he will agree.”
He also made a brief comment about Italy’s draw with North Macedonia, who pulled off the impossible in Palermo to knock the Azzurri out of contention for the World Cup in Qatar.
“It was one of those games that happen every now and then, as shown in Palermo you have to play all the games.”
The qualifying stages of Euro 2024 will kick off on March 23 2023 and end on November 21. Italy can also progress through the play-offs should things no go well in Group C, thanks to the fact that they won their Nations League group.