Roberto Mancini had important words of advice for Nicolò Zaniolo, who was substituted at half-time in the 3-2 win over Turkey, warning the Roma talent must ‘learn to play with others.’
Bryan Cristante’s header cancelled out the Cengiz Under opener, before a brace from Sassuolo forward Giacomo Raspadori.
The first question was naturally not about the game in Turkey, but rather the failure to even reach the World Cup play-off final, let alone the tournament itself in Qatar.
“We’ll have regrets all the way until December. At least this evening we played a good game with some lads who hadn’t had much playing time,” said Mancini in his press conference.
There was certainly something that went wrong. We had so many problems from September to March, we had to send 10 players home the week of that crucial match against Switzerland.
“The coach always takes the blame, we have to accept this is football, people want to point the finger of blame at someone.”
Giacomo Raspadori scored two goals this evening, along with Bryan Cristante’s header, while Gianluca Scamacca and Nicolò Zaniolo were not even on the bench against North Macedonia due to minor injuries.
Should they have been given a chance earlier?
“It’s always easy to say that with hindsight…”
Having said that, Roma forward Zaniolo showed many of the issues he has already had at club level, receiving an avoidable yellow card and taking shots from various angles when a pass would’ve been more suitable.
“Nicolò is a player with a lot of quality, he just needs to learn how to play with others,” replied the coach.
“He can make the most of his strength and quality to score goals after that. He put the effort in, I cannot complain, but he was booked so I preferred to take him off.”
Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali was given the keys to the Italy midfield this evening.
“It’s not easy for him, as he hasn’t played many games with us, while at Milan he has a slightly different role. He struggled a little at the start, then found his position and improved. He needs time.”
Italia, Mancini: “Questi ragazzi meritavano fiducia prima? Dopo è sempre facile dirlo…” https://t.co/9ewRzdiQ0Z
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) March 29, 2022
Mancini you owe us the euro 2024 title and World Cup 2026 to make up for this disaster
Mike, I agree. Forza Azzurri.
Mancini is so right about Zaniolo. there´s reason why he warms the bench for both club and country. For some reason he plays as if he were some kind of world star. People have built up his capacity far too much based on far to little.
Well said everyone
Don’t ya feel like we forgetting about the superstar player azzurri has, Federico Chiesa, can’t wait for his return. Italy got a lot of happening right now and that’s understandable.. we will get back on our full power. Forza Azzurri next UP The clash with Argentina in Wembley
“He needs time” “He needs time” ….. I am sick and tired of hearing this.
Tonali does NOT need time. He’s fit and ready to go and is already performing at a higher level than the likes of Jorginho. The only thing he needs, just like the other young players, is a sustained run in the side.
Its fair to say that Belotti has underperformed for Italy, but is it entirely his fault? He’s never had continuity in the side, featuring mostly as a sub. It’ll be extremely frustrating if Tonali, Raspa and Scamacca get the same treatment.
Why was Berardi / Raspadori pairing not considered for the North Macedonia match?
Zaniolo has many holes in game, discipline above all.
Can’t control injuries but he can improve his discipline.
I’m so glad Mancini said this out loud about Nico. Hopefully, it will plant a seed – or reinforce what Pinto/Mou already know. He needs to mature on many levels. His liability is greater than his talent. Roma should cash in on him while they can.
All this could have been said privately to Zaniolo, publicly slating him isn’t going to help him grow.
First, the fact that this is said in public is childish managerial skills. Second, Zaniolo is so much better as an AM than a winger; none of his characteristics lend itself to being a winger, they never have…. does he need to grow? Of course.
Zaniolo is heading the way of Balotelli, lots of talent and lots of bad attitude.
@Zoro Caloro, I disagree. Most of Zaniolo’s best moments, when he excelled under Fonseca, came from him playing on the right of the forward trident. When he would use his pace and skills to shoot or square the ball for his fellow forwards.
He has the technical quality to play in the hole, but not selflessness, which is what Mancini is getting at.
Totally agree with Bruno. Italian don’t trust their youngsters just like Chinese….