Italy CT Roberto Mancini is delighted Daniele De Rossi has joined the national team’s staff and says he is waiting for Inter players.
The local health authority banned Inter players from joining their national teams last week after four COVID cases emerged in the group.
However, today’s swab tests came back negative with the ASL in Milan that gave Inter’s foreign players the all-clear to travel.
Italy CT Roberto Mancini is delighted Daniele De Rossi has joined the national team’s staff and says he is waiting for Inter players.
The local health authority banned Inter players from joining their national teams last week after four COVID cases emerged in the group.
However, today’s swab tests came back negative with the ASL in Milan that gave Inter’s foreign players the all-clear to travel.
“We’ll see what will happen [with Italian players]," Mancini said at a press conference.
“I’ve heard Inter’s international players can leave. We are optimistic they can join us. For this reason we picked many players, we didn’t know which situation we would have faced.”
Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella and Stefano Sensi are included in Mancini’s 38-man squad for the upcoming matches against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.
“The first game will be the most difficult one because we haven’t played for the last five months. We’ll face a very physical team. We can make no mistakes in the World Cup qualifiers. We need a strong start," Mancini claimed.
“We are struggling a little bit because we are without Jorginho, and Cristante may return home. Let’s see what happens with Inter players.
“I am sorry for Italian clubs eliminated from European competitions. I always hope they can go all the way through the final, given that many players are part of this national team," the coach continued.
Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi has received his first Italy call-up, while Daniele De Rossi has joined the Azzurri's technical staff.
“Toloi plays in a team that presses high up the pitch and usually keeps a high defensive line. I don’t think he will struggle to settle in,” Mancini said.
“This is our last meeting before the EURO, and I wanted to know him. Watch a player or coach him are entirely different things. He may be helpful for us. I have no doubts he will settle in well.
“As for De Rossi. We spoke some time ago when he decided to join Boca. We are happy to have him here. He was a significant player in Italian football, and he will give us more experience. I think it was the right choice for both of us.”
Mancini also commented on Juventus’ defeat against Benevento and replied to a question on whether Andrea Pirlo is struggling to put his ideas into practice.
“This moment may be a bit difficult for him, but it happens to every coach. That’s our life. Sometimes there is joy and serenity, sometimes not.
“We must be positive and be aware these things can happen in football.
“Pirlo is a young coach, he’s had some difficulties, but it’s part of the journey.”