Roberto Mancini managed to stave off some criticism from the Italian press after the Azzurri secured a third-place finish in the Nations League with a win over the Netherlands.
The coach drew much ire after Italy’s 2-1 loss to Spain in their semi-final outing, with many complaining about the rigid loyalty to many older players who are seemingly in the final stages of their career with the national team.
Mancini was expected to shake things up against the Netherlands and he made some positive decisions, deploying a front three of Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui and Wilfried Gnonto in a 4-3-3 system.
Italy edged out a tense 3-2 win over the Netherlands in their Nations League third-place match, with goals coming from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Federico Chiesa.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were pleased with Mancini’s changes after Italy’s loss to Spain, but were cautious when looking ahead to the future, saying: “If he wanted to win against Spain, he should have played Dimarco, Chiesa, Retegui and Raspadori in the 4-3-3. Nice correction, perfect changes, and many regrets. Now no backtracking, the potential is there, let’s not waste it.”
Corriere dello Sport also found the positives after the Azzurri’s third-place finish in the Nations League, commenting: “He pulls up with the young Italy. Encouraging signs.”
Mancini’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6.5
Corriere dello Sport: 6.5
Tuttosport: 6.5