Roberto Mancini admits he still has two doubts going into tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland, ‘one to do with fitness and one more tactical.’
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT at the Stadio Tardini in Parma. Click here for the probable line-ups.
This is the first Italy game of 2021 and they are unbeaten under coach Roberto Mancini since September 2018, managing 15 wins and seven draws.
Roberto Mancini admits he still has two doubts going into tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland, ‘one to do with fitness and one more tactical.’
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT at the Stadio Tardini in Parma. Click here for the probable line-ups.
This is the first Italy game of 2021 and they are unbeaten under coach Roberto Mancini since September 2018, managing 15 wins and seven draws.
“The Nazionale has always represented the whole country and every Italian, even those who aren’t fans of sport. When there are major tournaments, the entire country unites behind the team,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
Italy has just enacted stricter lockdown measures, as the COVID cases continue to surge and the roll-out of vaccines has been slower than anticipated.
“This is a delicate time for everyone and I hope that we can provide something of a distraction. We represent a country that won four World Cups, so we must give our fans some entertaining evenings, but that’s what we always tried to do.
“It’s our first game after four months, so we are rusty. Northern Ireland are also the classic British team, very aggressive, physically strong and focused on the counter-attack. They are the toughest type of side we could face at this moment.”
There are still some choices to be made for the starting XI, largely between Nicolò Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini in midfield, or Domenico Berardi and Federico Chiesa in the trident attack.
“The first decision is more to do with fitness, the second is more tactical.”
Leonardo Bonucci will mark his 100th Italy cap this evening and is one of only seven players remaining from the failed 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Unfortunately, this too is football, there are difficult moments and disappointments. Sport means accepting you cannot always win.
“The hope of course is never to do that again, because a World Cup doesn’t feel complete without Italy. We want to achieve qualification and play the World Cup in Qatar.
“We aren’t at the level of France yet, but we certainly won’t embarrass ourselves at the Euros.”
Italian clubs sides have stuttered in the Champions League and Europa League, despite the national team doing so well.
“Our football certainly needs to improve when competing at certain levels at club football, but these things also go in eras,” continued Mancini.
“The younger players are the future and you have to give them time to learn the ropes, as he cannot have the experience of the older elements, but if he has the quality, you should have the courage to give him a chance.”