Italy CT Roberto Mancini said he has ‘great faith’ in the players, despite the many absentees ahead of the match against Switzerland.
The clash at the Olimpico starts at 19.45 UK time and Mancini has announced the starting line-up, with Andrea Belotti starting up front in Ciro Immobile’s absence.
Several key players are missing for the Azzurri and Mancini doesn’t want to put pressure on the Torino captain ahead of the crucial game.
“Let’s hope it’s Italy’s evening, then whoever makes the difference on the pitch won’t be very important,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“I have great faith in the lads, even though we are in a moment of the season where we lack a lot of players, but it seems like all the national teams have this problem.
“I have great confidence in what the lads will be able to do. We have solid foundations. I would have liked to have everyone available and to be able to choose between different players but, as I said before, it’s a delicate moment of the season for everyone and thus we try to make virtue of necessity.”
The first match against Switzerland ended in a 0-0 draw and Mancini was asked if he expects a similar battle.
“It will be different,” he pointed out. “I think that if we manage to play our game, to be calm on the pitch and think about what our qualities are, we will have a great game.”
The two teams are locked at the top on points, only separated by goal difference.
“In order not to create problems, we must win both games and then we won’t have any worries,” Mancini said.
“I’m calm, but the team is calm too and this gives us peace of mind.”
Why start with an unfit Belotti. Mistake. I would have preferred a false nine with Berardi. Much more unpredictability which is good with a team like Switzerland which will not leave much space between the lines. Berardi much better technically and one on one than Belotti. Hope Mister proves me wrong,
Donato Totaro
Exactly false 9 as Bellotti wasn’t even fit
This was an utter blunder.