Roberto Mancini admits the 4-0 win over the Czech Republic ‘really does bode well’ for Italy for Euro 2020, even though ‘we took 10 minutes to get going.’
The Azzurri go into Euro 2020 unbeaten since September 2018, but also off the back of eight consecutive victories in which they scored 25 goals and conceded zero.
They thrashed the Czech Republic – who are also going to take part in the Euros – 4-0 in Bologna with goals from Ciro Immobile, Nicolò Barella, Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi.
“We played well, took the right approach. The Czech Republic are a very good team, but we out-played them and this really does bode well,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“I think we took 10 minutes or so to get going, as we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, but I did hope we’d put in a performance like this.
“We know that this is a young team that has to improve in many ways, but playing the last friendly before the tournament like this can only be positive.
“We are an attack-minded team and have to push forward, then defend when needs be with the qualities we have. Balance is important.
“We’re together, we’re happy and hopefully this competition will last as long as possible.”
Insigne celebrated his 30th birthday with a goal, but also some delightful back-heel flicks.
“It was his birthday, he scored a lovely goal, so I’m happy for him.”