Italy coach Roberto Mancini says he's happy his players are "enjoying" playing for the national side, and that there is still a chance for Nicolo Zaniolo to make his squad for Euro 2020.
The Azzurri coach spoke to Sky Sport 24 about how his side is shaping up with 100 days to the beginning of the competition.
Yesterday Italy were drawn in a group containing Holland, Bosnia and Poland for the next round of the UEFA Euro Nations League, so how did Mancio like the first edition of the competition?
Italy coach Roberto Mancini says he's happy his players are "enjoying" playing for the national side, and that there is still a chance for Nicolo Zaniolo to make his squad for Euro 2020.
The Azzurri coach spoke to Sky Sport 24 about how his side is shaping up with 100 days to the beginning of the competition.
Yesterday Italy were drawn in a group containing Holland, Bosnia and Poland for the next round of the UEFA Euro Nations League, so how did Mancio like the first edition of the competition?
“It’s a competition that we had to understand how it worked. We tried out may young players, and I tried to change the team,” Mancini told the broadcaster.
“Despite this we arrived at the last game in which we could qualified for the semi finals.
“All in all it was a very positive thing, playing for three points is always better.”
Mancini’s Italy broke records in qualifying for Euro 2020, winning 10 games from 10, and scoring 37 goals in the process.
“I think it’s natural to have fun and try to make everything fun. We did some tests, and we tried to call up the most talented players.
“And then we saw that they worked well together. Perhaps we expected it to take a little longer, but instead after 5-6 games the team started to play well and this is important.
“I am proud of the team, which always plays to win, even at a risk. This is something that makes me happy, beyond the records; it’s clear that they enjoying playing.
“Then it’s important to try to win.”
Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo was almost a certainty to make the competition, but his season-ending injury changed all that.
“We would’ve liked to have been able to call on everyone, and we hope we can have everyone available.
“On Zaniolo, we will wait to see what happens in a month, and then evaluate all together. I think it’s not that simple, he’s a young lad who will have other goals ahead. The important thing is that he recovers.”
Mancini was then asked about the current crisis in Italian football surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus.
“I am slightly worried about my parents, who are older. I am sorry for the situation, it’s something that luckily has never happened to us, until now.
“I hope that everything will be resolved as soon as possible.”