The Italian press were dejected following Italy’s 2-0 friendly loss to Austria, drawing attention to Roberto Mancini’s disappointing work on the touchline.
The Azzurri secured a decent 3-1 win over Albania in their first friendly of the international break, with goals from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Vincenzo Grifo securing the victory, but they looked much more disappointing against stronger opposition.
Mancini deployed Italy in a 3-4-3 formation as he continues trying out new things with the national team and the experiment did not pay off against Austria, who flew to a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Xaver Schlager and David Alaba.
Considering the Azzurri’s year started with the now-infamous 1-0 playoff loss to North Macedonia, it was apt that 2022 ended in a similarly miserable fashion for Mancini and his players. The rebuild still has a lot of work to do ahead of Euro 2024, likely to be Italy’s next major tournament.
La Gazzetta dello Sport commented on Italy’s deficiencies in the match, noting that “the midfield suffered too much, same for the defence.”
Corriere dello Sport didn’t mince their words and gave a grave assessment of things for the Azzurri, saying “sad day, sad match, sad defeat. Sad year. The only consolation: the Azzurri’s 2022 ended in Vienna.”
Tuttosport highlighted Mancini’s failure to maintain momentum after the win over Albania, commenting that “he didn’t manage to hold the right charge either.”
Mancini’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 5
Corriere dello Sport: 5
Tuttosport: 5
I would have given him lower marks
This site won’t let u comment on reporters or media.
What trophy is awarded to the team that wins all their games that do not count.
Amazing how friendlies seem to mean something all of a sudden. The new soccer fan is clueless