Italy coach Roberto Mancini is unhappy with the lack of playing time for Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamaccabut confirms Mateo Retegui will receive his first call-up for the Azzurri in the upcoming international break.
The Italian tactician spoke during DAZN’s post-match show on Monday, after Milan’s 1-1 draw against Salernitana.
The Azzurri return to the pitch next week in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and Malta. Mancini has recently complained about his lack of options in attack where Lazio star Ciro Immobile is injured and others are not getting regular playing time.
“I hope those who are not playing much now be involved more,” said Mancini.
“Raspadori is an important player for us, but he doesn’t play much [at Napoli]. Scamacca is coming from an injury and doesn’t play much either. The lads can improve only if they play.
“Scamacca, Raspadori, Gnonto, Zaniolo…we don’t have many options.
“Zaniolo? Young players are always important, but it’s up to them. They can improve quickly and become important players. This applies to Nicolò and other players in the same situation.”
The Azzurri will host England in the first match of the Euro 2024 opener at the Stadio Maradona in Naples.
“I hope it will be a great match with a sold-out stadium. It will be a tough game against a strong team, it’s important to start well. We need players who respect the shirt and are happy together. Right now many players are injured and we hope some will recover,” noted Mancini.
The Azzurri CT could call up Andrea Compagno playing in Romania’s top flight and will give a chance to Argentine-born striker Mateo Retegui currently playing for Tigre, on loan from Boca Juniors.
“We’ve been following Retegui for a while, he’s been playing regularly in the Argentinean league for two seasons. He has qualities that we currently lack. We thought he didn’t want to join, but he accepted so, we called him.
Mancini continued by briefly analysing the current Serie A campaign.
“European matches have a specific weight, I think Napoli have a smooth path until the end of the season, surely the five teams behind them in Serie A will struggle until the end,” said the CT.
“Napoli play so well. They play an international brand of football. They have two, or three players who are doing really well. They have found an incredible balance and they deserve all they’ve been doing. They are so strong in attack.”
What’s his take on Italian coaches? Who does Mancini enjoy the most?
“Spalletti has great experience Italiano is having a nice season, Bologna are playing well under Motta, there are many good Italian coaches.”