Roberto Mancini was irritated with his Italy side after a 0-0 draw in Switzerland, their second consecutive stalemate. ‘We cannot fail to win with that many scoring opportunities.’
Just like Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Bulgaria, the Azzurri had the chances and failed to take them, with Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile particularly missing sitters, while Jorginho saw his penalty saved by Yann Sommer.
“This is a moment when the ball just isn’t going in. Once again, we had too many chances not to win this game,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“It’s not the penalty, it’s other situations, we need to be more determined, more clinical, more precise. Just like with Bulgaria, it’s another match we cannot fail to win with that many scoring opportunities created.
“It was tougher in the second half, but we had the chances in the first half and the second, which means the team did play good football.”
Considering this result, does the November showdown with Switzerland in Italy now become decisive for top spot in the group?
“I think so, yes.”
Only the top team goes through directly to the 2022 World Cup, with the runner-up entering the play-offs.
Switzerland now have seven points from three games, whereas Italy are on 11 points from five.
Mancini was also asked if there will be changes in the third qualifier of this run against Lithuania?
“The lads are tired, so there certainly will be some changes. It’s a missed opportunity, exactly like on Thursday. Exactly the same.”