Ciro Immobile reveals he had been ready to quit international football after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, but Italy coach Roberto Mancini talked him around. ‘I realised that I was still needed.’
The Azzurri will not be going to Qatar after finishing second in their qualifying group to Switzerland and losing the play-off to North Macedonia.
Immobile was one of the players most criticised by fans after that setback and there were reports the 32-year-old was thinking of walking away from the Nazionale.
“It is true, I wanted to leave, but then I spoke to Mancini and I realised that I was still needed,” Immobile told RAI Sport.
“When you are disappointed in such a way, you think a thousand things. However, with a clear head, I spoke to Mancini and it seemed that Italy still needed me.”
The Lazio striker was Capocannoniere in Serie A last season with 27 goals and started this term on the same foot, finding the net five times in seven games.
He missed June’s Nations League fixtures due to injury, but is back in the squad for the upcoming matches against England on Friday and Hungary on Monday.
“There is still the need for us veterans, who can help the younger players to develop and make the renewal process smoother for the Nazionale.
“As the coach said, what begins now is our comeback for the Euros and the next World Cup.”
Immobile has never quite managed to reflect his club form at international level and has 15 goals in 55 senior caps for Italy.
At 32 and never having produced for Italy, Mancini should have let him go
I’ve been very critical of Immobile in the past, but have changed my opinion over the past year. He hasn’t been the only problem. Not enough goals are coming from the wide forwards, and when Immobile hasn’t featured, no one has made the most of this. At least with Immobile, he runs a lot for the team, presses well and creates spaces for his teammates. Our other strikers haven’t even managed this.
@Bruno good point. Italy’s problem also is the lack of midfield creativity. Ciro does what he can. People that blame him must get ready for Scamacca and Raspadori. I hope Mancini doesn’t play Ciro at all, Lazio need him rested. Let Italy play with the other strikers, see how it will go.
Italy still need him because there’s nothing else out there.
Italy used to produce great forwards, but they haven’t done so in over 20 years.
Italy don’t need him.
Actually, no Ciro. Mancini might need you but Italy certainly doesn’t.
Italy need him like Ronaldo needs another selfie
15 goals in 55 games is awful no where near good enough. He should have retired, the fact Mancini talked him round shows he had lost the plot. When immobile puts on an Italy shirt he disappears, probably down to the pressure he feels, it’s cruel to keep calling him up then blaming him, he needs taking out of the equation.
My 26 man squad if all fit would be:
Gks: Donnarumma, Meret, Vicario
Def: Bonucci, Bastoni, Ogbonna, Gatti, Calabria, Di Lorenzo, Spinnazola, Udogie, Parisi
Mid: Verratti, Barella, Pellegrini, Frattesi, Cristante, Miretti, Tonali, Pobega
For: Raspadori, Scamacca, Chiesa, Politano, Gnonto, Zaniolo. Any thoughts.
Immobile didn’t play in the Playoff versus North Macedonia so this one isn’t on him.
I think you will find that he started the game against North Macedonia.
The fact HE thinks we need him is one problem. The other problem is there isn’t anyone else to choose from!
Not to worry though, Serie A continues to buy players from all over the world.