Roberto Mancini looked ahead to Italy’s Nations League commitments, the Champions League final and tonight’s Conference League final.
The Azzurri are preparing for the Final Four stage of the Nations League. They’ll face Spain in the semi-finals on June 15 before possibly playing the winner of the Netherlands-Croatia in the final on June 18.
Beforehand, Fiorentina will take on West Ham in the Conference League final tonight in Prague before Inter face off against Manchester City in the Champions League final in Istanbul on June 10. Last week, Roma lost to Sevilla on penalties in the Europa League final.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Mancini first looked ahead to the Final Four stage of the Nations League.
“It is a great achievement to be at the final phase, it was not an easy group to win with England, Germany and Hungary. We are here, we made choices and unfortunately some were left out.
“The rules wanted us to hand in the list even before training, so we don’t know how the guys are coming in.”
He was asked about the Champions League final between Inter and Manchester City.
“I believe that in 90 minutes there is no favourite team. City, looking at the last results, are a fearsome team but against Inter scoring goals isn’t easy, they are an experienced team.”
The Italy coach also wished Fiorentina well in their Conference League final against West Ham.
“Good luck to Fiorentina and congratulations on the season. The Conference League challenge is indecipherable, difficult to say who will win but let’s hope for Fiorentina.”
Finally, Mancini discussed the recent growth of Italian football and the fact that Italian teams qualified for all three of the European cup finals.
“Italian football has grown, but we are not what we were 20 years ago, when the greatest in the world played in Serie A. The three finals are a positive sign, as are the many Italians playing in these three teams.”