Giampiero Ventura has wished Italy successor Roberto Mancini ‘good luck’ ahead of his competitive debut but admits Napoli are no longer the ‘anti-Juventus’.
Italy kick off their Nations League campaign against Poland on Friday, in what is the Azzurri’s first official game since losing to Sweden in the World Cup playoffs under Ventura last November.
“I wish Mancini good luck,” the 70-year-old told Radio Marte.
Giampiero Ventura has wished Italy successor Roberto Mancini ‘good luck’ ahead of his competitive debut but admits Napoli are no longer the ‘anti-Juventus’.
Italy kick off their Nations League campaign against Poland on Friday, in what is the Azzurri’s first official game since losing to Sweden in the World Cup playoffs under Ventura last November.
“I wish Mancini good luck,” the 70-year-old told Radio Marte.
“I’ll watch the game on TV and I hope it’s the beginning of Italy’s rebirth, which is needed. The national team are a closed chapter for me.”
The former Torino boss then went back on his initial claim about Napoli being Juve’s biggest title challengers, instead conceding the Bianconeri were ‘super-favourites’.
“With Ronaldo and Ancelotti, the Italian League has more appeal and visibility because the Napoli Coach brings international experience with him, while Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world,” he added.
“It’s too early to identify the anti-Juventus, but it’s clear that having won the last seven titles and signed Ronaldo, Juventus have the right to be super-favourites.”