Roberto Mancini praised the young players who made an immediate impact for Italy in the Nations League draw with Germany, but ‘we were naïve to concede the equaliser straight away.’
Lorenzo Pellegrini had opened the scoring for Italy at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna from an assist provided by 18-year-old Willy Gnonto, five minutes into his senior Azzurri debut.
Just three minutes after that, Joshua Kimmich fired in the equaliser on a loose ball.
“It’s a pity we conceded the equaliser straight after, we were naive, because it was not an easy game, especially at the start,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“It was the first time they played together, they did a great job, they suffered when they had to, attacked when they had to. The lads did really well, they played on a par with what is a great national team at this moment.”
The coach was asked if using so many players from Serie B or who get hardly any Serie A playing time was a sign for clubs?
“We just have to focus on our own squad. We can only hope these young players can grow quickly.”
England lost their opener against Hungary, so Italy are currently joint second in their Nations League group.
“One result changes nothing, we’ve got a very long road ahead of us. The lads did really well, it’s not easy, as Germany are one of the best sides in the world right now. We were a little hesitant at the start, then slowly started to play.”
Italia, Mancini: “Non era facile. Abbiamo tanti ragazzi giovani bravi, ma la strada è lunghissima” https://t.co/TgrHND0wV0
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) June 4, 2022
Good job by the coach. But, he must not call Acerbi. He makes a lot of mistakes. Even tonight the goal was his fault.
I seen a vivace Italy with enthusiasm but sliding all the time. Failing to hit the target. No service for strikers. Really is a long way to go.
Italy will have a long road ahead only if you select players on reputation and not form, as was clearly evident in the failed WC campaign. I hope he’s learnt this costly lesson.
Be brave Mancini you have the talent, don’t be afraid to lose. Be afraid not to dream.
Sportanella must be given more sppearances.