Roberto Mancini admits Italy would’ve found it much easier if they’d ‘converted all the chances we created’ against Lithuania, but ‘the important thing was to win.’
The Azzurri earned a fifth consecutive 2-0 victory, this time decided by substitute Stefano Sensi and a last-gasp Ciro Immobile penalty.
Roberto Mancini admits Italy would’ve found it much easier if they’d ‘converted all the chances we created’ against Lithuania, but ‘the important thing was to win.’
The Azzurri earned a fifth consecutive 2-0 victory, this time decided by substitute Stefano Sensi and a last-gasp Ciro Immobile penalty.
“It was the third game in seven days, so even if we rotated the squad, we knew it would be difficult. The pitch was in awful condition, they were more accustomed to the artificial turf,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“We had more chances to score, but the important thing was to win tonight. If we’d converted all the chances we created, it would’ve been an easier ride.”
This also means Mancini has equalled Marcello Lippi’s run of 25 games unbeaten and is only five behind Vittorio Pozzo’s all-time record of 30.
“I’m happy we are top of the group, it’s pleasing, but records are standalone issues compared to real results. I hope to match Lippi at the World Cup…
“The glass is always half-full, because three days ago Switzerland on home turf only beat Lithuania 1-0. Every match is difficult.
“We have to evaluate the match fitness, the lack of sharpness, and I remember Arrigo Sacchi’s Italy only won here 1-0 back in the day. If you break the deadlock early, it can open up, but even when 1-0 down, Lithuania still sit back and defend.
“We made a few too many mistakes, the ball bounced irregularly, so we were a little concerned.”
Immobile converted a penalty in stoppages, but also wasted numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.
“Many things need to be evaluated. Ciro gave everything he could today. The players aren’t in the best shape right now, they are lacking sharpness, but the goals will come more consistently for him.”
These are the final competitive games before the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament in June, so did Mancini learn much from the experience?
“We are learning that three games in a week are really tough, especially with travelling, as that tires you out too. We’ll need to evaluate some of those logistics next time.
“We also learned there are no easy games and we must give 100 per cent in every single match.”
There are calls from several Federations to expand the squad at Euro 2020 from 23 to 25 or even more players.
“I think it could be the right thing to do. The problem would above all be if a couple of players had problems in the tournament, as it’s difficult to call them back after that, when players are on vacation.”