Roberto Mancini highlighted his enjoyment of this Serie A season, suggested that Roma‘s European final was ‘important for Italy’ and looked ahead to Azzurri’s upcoming commitments.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar following a disastrous 1-0 playoff defeat to North Macedonia earlier this year, but the team are still preparing to take part in a match against Copa America winners Argentina, in what UEFA are calling the Finalissima 2022.
Speaking after meeting the Miracoli FC youth team, Mancini first discussed the Serie A title race this season and the Coppa Italia final.
“The fact that the Scudetto is in the balance I think is nice. It’s difficult to bet on the winner, very difficult. It’s been a great season and yesterday’s match was fun too.”
The Azzurri coach then spoke about Roma’s upcoming Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord.
“The fact that Roma qualified for the Conference League final is important for Italy, for Rome and for our boys who are playing a European final.”
Finally, Mancini discussed Italy’s upcoming Finalissima 2022 against Argentina and the state of his Azzurri squad.
“It’ll be a good match, the first of a long series. It will become an important match, it would be nice to be the first winners.
“When I have the squad we’ll see, hopefully they’ll be better physically.”
Despite the failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, Mancini has stayed on as Italy coach, receiving the backing of the FIGC as well as a large part of the Azzurri faithful. Some remain unconvinced, so the next 12 months will be crucial for the coach and his players.