Roberto Mancini confirms Italy could change system again with Hungary in the Nations League decider and build around Giacomo Raspadori in future, but denies Lazio blocked Ciro Immobile from participating. ‘It was too dangerous to risk it.’
It kicks off on Monday at the Puskas Arena in Budapest at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Only a victory would allow the Azzurri to leapfrog Hungary and win the Nations League group, therefore qualifying for the Final Four tournament next year.
It is a tall order, as Hungary have already beaten England and Germany in the competition so far.
“Playing in Hungary is never easy, but I am pleased that they have done so well in the Nations League, especially as their coach Marco Rossi is my former teammate,” said Mancini in his press conference.
“I see it as 50-50, because they can also count on a draw to go through. The fact we are here challenging for first place with 90 minutes to go in what was called the Group of Death is already pleasing, so we’ll give it our all.”
There were inevitably questions over Immobile, as the striker was at the airport and on the tarmac with the rest of the squad this morning, then remained in the car while the others got on the plane.
It had been reported that Lazio President Claudio Lotito personally intervened to prevent Immobile making the journey due to a slight thigh issue that had already ruled him out of the 1-0 win over England on Friday.
“We tried and Immobile did everything right in trying to stay with us, but this morning we decided it wasn’t worth the risk,” assured Mancini.
“It was disappointing for him and for us. Ciro would happily have stayed, and he did during the first game, but it was too dangerous to risk it.
“He wasn’t in awful shape, but hasn’t trained with us for three days. He had tests this morning and that was what the Professor decided. We met up when arriving in Milan, but his absence had already been discussed.
“It is a problem that all international managers have, calling players who have so many commitments and journeys. The important thing is that they want to come on international duty, although at times the Nazionale could be loved a bit more.”
Giacomo Raspadori scored the only goal of the game against England, with Italy looking stronger in a new 3-5-2 formation, so could that be repeated?
“We’ll make some changes and have to see what shape the lads are in. We must be patient, attack and try to make the most of our chances. It’s also important to defend well, because Hungary will be out there to win in front of 70,000 people.”
Italy are the only side to have beaten Hungary in the Nations League this season, 2-1 in June, which was achieved with the ‘tiny’ trident of Willy Gnonto, Raspadori and Matteo Politano upfront.
The goals were scored in the first half by Nicolò Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“We are evaluating the best approach to cause Hungary problems. If we confirm the system used at San Siro, it will be important to attack with more players. We are evaluating both ideas.
“Hungary also play three at the back, so if we do play the same way, we mustn’t get hit by this panic to score goals quickly. We certainly need to be more attacking than we were against England.”
Considering Raspadori scored the winner against England and is flourishing at Napoli, could the Italy squad be built around him in future?
“We brought him to the Euros even when he had very few caps, so he could become an important player, but needs more international experience. Reaching the Final Four could be important for the younger players in the squad.”
Mancini is one of our best coaches Italy has.
Always builds a square to modern football. He is creative. Boċċa Al lupo Mister.
Please stop with Immobile
Lazio did Italy a big favor if they stopped Immobile from playing. The team now has a chance to win.
bottom line is Immobile would not make a lick of difference one way or another. better off with anyone else.