Roberto Mancini highlighted the lack of change within Italian football across the last four years and suggested that Italy ‘didn’t deserve’ to lose to North Macedonia.
The failure to qualify for the second successive World Cup has led to figures across the Italian football world crying out for serious changes, with fundamental issues clearly hampering the Italian game. One of the most discussed topics is the lack of young Italians breaking through in Serie A teams, an issue that a nation like France or Spain isn’t facing.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia and at the ‘Calcio che l’Italia si merita’ event, Mancini first discussed the title race between Milan and Inter this season.
“First of all, we have to say that it has been a great season, where many have fought for the Scudetto until recently. And even in the relegation zone there will be teams that will fight as well as those fighting for Europe.
“I don’t know who will win, I think Milan have a bit of an advantage because they have two results in their favour. But matches must be played, then whoever wins will deserve it, be it Inter or Milan. Both have in any case had a great season.”
He underlined his disappointment at the lack of regular minutes for promising Italian youngsters.
“I sincerely hoped that more players would come through, but the situation hasn’t changed in recent years, there are many good young players who can’t find minutes.”
The Azzurri coach commented on the lack of progress in Italian football across the last four years.
“Little has happened in the last four years and in fact we are always the same in the national team. The first thing is to give more trust to the coaches like Milan did with Pioli.
“Two years ago it seemed he was leaving, today he is possibly winning the league. Many coaches do not let young players play because they are afraid of making mistakes.”
Mancini spoke about the lack of active Italian players in Serie A.
“Being down to 32% Italian players is strongly limiting for all national teams. When Zaniolo arrived for the first time at Coverciano, he looked like a child, after two months everything changed. The boys improve quickly.”
He commented on Italy’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“We absolutely did not deserve to go out, but we must accept defeat and start again. We know we don’t have great choices, but we have to pull out something like we did four years ago.”
The Italian coach gave his thoughts on Giorgio Chiellini’s departure from Juventus.
“I knew he was thinking about it, unfortunately it’s not easy to make certain decisions but he seems calm.
“He’s had an extraordinary career, I know him well, but time passes for everyone even if Juve and I would still have liked to have him.”
Mancini discussed Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile, two players who many feel should hang up their boots for the Azzurri.
“We’ll consider everyone. There’s been four extraordinary years, all the lads should be praised for what they’ve done.
“Lorenzo has decided to go to Canada, Immobile just has to stay calm and read less. The European Championship is there, no one can take it away from us and it will remain a great feat.”
Finally, Mancini spoke about Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.
“He made his debut in the national team with us, he’s having a great season but he still has wide margins of improvement and the midfield is the area that gives us the least problems.”