Roberto Mancini is glad Italy ‘played as a team’ throughout in their 1-1 draw with France, seeing it as ‘another step forward in our journey.’
The Azzurri were called to confirm whether they were the team seen in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, or the one that emerged with a 4-1 victory in Turkiye.
The answer after this 1-1 draw in Paris was certainly more confidence-boosting, as they had numerous good chances to score, and although Gianluigi Donnarumma needed some big saves, they emerged unbeaten from the Stade de France.
Mancini sees Italy progress
“We knew it would be a very difficult match, especially at the start, but we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
Alessandro Bastoni scored for the second game in a row, his first appearances since the World Cup play-off in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cancelling out the Michael Olise deflected free kick.
“We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and so it is certainly a very positive evening for us,” added Mancini.
“I wanted this to be another step forward in our journey. I liked that we tried to play football, despite being against an extraordinary France side full of champions.
“At times we suffered, but always tried to score goals whenever we had the chance, so that’s very good.”
Even after the late Dayot Upamecano red card left France down to 10 men, both Zinedine Zidane and Mancini were pushing for the victory to the final whistle.
“This is football, both coaches and teams wanted to win right to the end.”
Belgium crushed Turkiye 4-1 this evening, so Group A is wide open again, as France have seven points, Belgium six and Italy four.
“I saw some good things in the second half against Belgium too, but of course results change the way people evaluate the games,” added Mancini on Sky Sport Italia.
“Gigio saved us on occasion, but we played when we needed to play, we created chances throughout the match. I know that by working, these lads can create a great Nazionale. It will take time, there will be moments when it goes better, others not so good, but it takes time.”
Not a fan of his return but I’m also a believer in giving credit where it’s due. Two good results after Belgium game, and two good performances. He just needs not to fall in his previous traps. Forget the useless old guards, focus on the new generation. Players like Mancini, Di Lorenzo, etc are not going to help if there are already better youngsters playing in their positions and they’re not starters. No point in having them in the squad.
Also understand his decision to play with almost two strikers as wingers against France. Needed players who could shield long balls with their backs to goal to relieve the relentless French pressure, which they did. Our traditional wingers wouldn’t have helped, considering their quality.
@Milan Fan…Hopefully, Inacio and Vergara can become our wingers. That would help settle the striker position with several options.
Thoughts?
Forza!
Many Congratulations To Italy Foa A Fantastic Draw Away To France. Hopefully Showing Signs For A Better Future For The Nazionale. One Game At A Time But Alot Of Joy. Forza Italia 🙂
@Vittorio
Vergara is an interesting player but a long way off the quality of the best wingers most great footballing nations have today. Haven’t seen Inacio play yet but I doubt he’s ready to make an impact at 18.
I hope Italy can grow some world class talents in the next few years for the winger position.
I was extremely happy when Mancini was de-hired. In fact I wanted him to take Spaletti’s job after he was sacked. I’ve always had belief if Mancini. What he did with that 2021 winner…
Look how much calmer, how steady the are playing. Just poised and organized.
If we can produce a couple of world class wingers and a midfield playmaker in the next couple of years we can really challenge at the top again. Hopefully Inacio and Cisse with the right growth can be those but there could be others coming through we don’t know about yet. Our defence is as good as any others and is still young so has more growth and a run of games together they will only get better.
beloved italy is this team that played against france . forza azzurri viva Italia