Italy need only a point against Liechtenstein to qualify for the European Under-21 Championships and Devis Mangia demands “a win with entertainment.”
The Azzurrini have dominated their group and tomorrow at 16.00 UK time will qualify with a draw at home to the minnows before facing the Republic of Ireland on Monday.
Italy need only a point against Liechtenstein to qualify for the European Under-21 Championships and Devis Mangia demands “a win with entertainment.”
The Azzurrini have dominated their group and tomorrow at 16.00 UK time will qualify with a draw at home to the minnows before facing the Republic of Ireland on Monday.
“If we considered it to be only a formality then we’d be showing huge limitations,” warned Coach Mangia.
“We have to play a good game and, as I always tell the lads, to win and consider the way in which they win. We must get a result and play to win with entertainment in every match.”
This is the ex-Palermo tactician’s first official game in charge of the Italy Under-21 side, as he came in over the summer when Ciro Ferrara accepted a job at Sampdoria. His debut was a 3-0 friendly triumph away to Holland.
“We certainly did well in Holland and I think the team can still improve. We’ve got to face tomorrow’s game with this spirit, trying to raise the bar a little bit more.
“We started out doing good things and now our objective is to stay on that road. More than the result, I am interested in our attitude, maturity and approach.”
Lorenzo Insigne is not in the Under-21 side, as he has been promoted to the senior Italy squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta.
“I am very happy for Lorenzo, as he earned this call-up,” concluded Mangia.