Italy lost only four of the 47 games under Roberto Mancini, setting a new world unbeaten record, and failed to find the net just six times.
The Azzurri are not going to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, having finished second in their group behind Switzerland, then lost the play-offs semi-final 1-0 to North Macedonia in Palermo.
It is therefore worth looking back at the statistics over Mancini’s tenure since he took over in May 2018.
He has won 32 matches, drawn 11 and lost only four.
Those losses were to France and Portugal in 2018, Spain in the Nations League semi-final in 2021 and North Macedonia in 2022.
His Azzurri scored 109 goals and conceded 28, firing blanks on only six occasions out of 47.
It has become more of an issue recently, failing to find the net for two games running – 1-0 to North Macedonia and 0-0 in Northern Ireland – and three times in the last seven matches.
Mancini will go down in history not just for winning UEFA EURO 2020, but also for setting a new all-time world unbeaten record for international teams.
Italy went 37 official games unbeaten from September 2018 to October 2021, with 27 wins and 10 draws. Spain and Brazil had the previous record at 35, set in 2007 and 1993-96.
This is impressive. Ut teams figured you out. And playing immobile everytime was your downfall
What a formidable record. Really noteworthy. Special in fact…
…But why, why, why did he have to be so stubborn and myopic in his squad selections and in game management? Just an ounce more bravery and open mindedness would have avoided this whole fiasco! We have a very good starting line up when all fit and firing but we weren’t fit and firing so change it up Roberto! Gamble a little.
So many players out of form (ex Insigne, Dollarumma), lacking in fitness (ex Barella), calling sick players (ex. Locatelli), time and time again starting but not delivering (ex Immobile), perplexing substitutions (ex. Chiellini), non nonsensical omissions (Calabria)…we can add more.
This could have been avoided but it all started during the Euros too…very little goals from Immobile but his place was always a guarantee. Why? Can’t just keep banging your head against the wall-the result wont change.
Great stats and all that but that shouldn’t absolve one from constructive criticism.
Yes @CANADAKID32
@CANADAKID32 How was playing Immobile his downfall when Immobile did not play in the home game against the Swiss, against N Ireland or in the defeat to Spain? It wasn’t Immobile that missed both penalties against the Swiss, either of which would have ensured Italy qualified as group winners, and Immobile wasn’t on the pitch when the goal that knocked out Italy was scored. Immobile will retire and Italy will still have the same problems but this time it will be Scamacca or Raspadori or whoever is the new CF that is made the fall guy.
The non-selection of Calabria by Manicini was a bad error. Calabria should have been the clear 1st choice at right back, he could have provided more creativity going forward as a deeper threat. The type of deep lying threat that Italy lack since losing Spinazolla. Lazari would be better 2nd option at right back. Florenzi and Di lorenzo are inferior to to Calabri and Lazari. Di Marco and Biraghi are better options at left back compared to the limited Emerson. Mancini made errors in selection on both full backs choosing on loyalty rather than merit. Mancini also lacked tactical imagination and had no plan B formation to the 4-3-3. The 4-3-3 has been worked out by opposition team and clearly was not working in the few games after Euro 2020. He lacked the courage and flexibility to find a different formation to trial with for example 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 against teams that defend deep. Perhaps the congested fixture schedule did not allow him to make a plan B and trial different formations. Mancini deserves to continue despite the selection errors and his reluctance to evolve from past winning formula that clearly stopped working or did not work as well following the absence of Spinazolla . He needs to however learn from his mistakes and be more tactically flexible, innovative and evolve when the paradigm shifts. He also needs to be sharper in selection and promote better players like Calabria in to the team rather than relying on loyalty and sticking to average players like Di Lorenzo, Emerson, Florenzi just because they did a job in the past. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to do this to keep Italy relevant in the world stage but he deserves a chance after the Euro 2020 success.
I would keep Mancini as manager. I think everyone recognises that Insigne, Immobile, Jorginho must retire. And then Chiellini and Bonucci. Donnarumma needs to join a team where he can play reguarly (He should have saved that shot) And let’s see if Chiesa and Spinazolla return and remain fit and strong .
Mancini has often been described as pragmatic which means he is more likely to stick with what he knows. The issue all managers have is there are really no friendlies anymore. Hopefully the game with Turkey will allow some left field decisions but all the next games have a level of importance, being the Nations League which has an impact on future competition seeding. If he keeps to 4-3-3 a forward line of Zaniolo-Scamacca-Raspadori requires a look as does a midfield where Cristante should start alongside Tonali or Sensi and Locatelli, Pessina or Pellegrini. Cristante can drop into a back 3 for an onfield adjustment to 3-4-3
Where we have missed a trick is in defence – only Bastoni is of the next generation. Calabria should be in the squad as should DiMarco. There is no point in calling up Luiz Felipe if he is not going to see the pitch. I would also start De Sciglio for a back line of De Sciglio – Felipe – Bastoni – Biraghi.
Turkey is the least important of the next 10 games
mancini you were prt of the problem you lacked heart,bravery yo cjange players and the vision to change what wasnt working