Roberto Mancini insists it would’ve been a similar performance after Italy beat Belgium if they hadn’t gone down to 10 men against Spain. ‘The amount of choice is very positive.’
Nations League | Italy 2-1 Belgium: Azzurri take bronze medal
The Azzurri got back on track straight away after their 37-match unbeaten run was ended by Spain, beating Belgium 2-1 to take the bronze medal in the 2021 Nations League.
Nicolò Barella’s volley and a Domenico Berardi penalty earned by Federico Chiesa allowed the 2-1 victory, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring a late counter-attack consolation goal.
“We saw the Italy of the Euros against Spain too, but it’s tough to play down to 10 men. Without that, it would’ve been a similar performance to today,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
The CT changed five players from those who started against Spain, keeping only Barella in midfield, bringing in Lorenzo Pellegrini and Manuel Locatelli.
While options in attack seem to be limited, the Nazionale has an abundance of talent in the middle of the park.
“We have different qualities and options in midfield, they showed today that they can do very well, so that amount of choice is very positive,” added Mancini.
“Chiesa can play on the right, left, it makes little difference to him. He is an important player. Berardi and Raspadori did well, so did Moise Kean when he came on.”
This was Mancini’s 30th victory in 44 games on the Italy bench.
i good italian team with lots of options. Lots of good playing and defending. It could of been closer if not some lucky plays going our way. Add Tonali, Zaniilo and spina and i think we have a good chance next year….
I am worried about the lack of Centerbacks coming through.
I do not feel as optimistic as Mancio.