English Premier League
Mancini challenges Italy to prove themselves in France after Turkey victory
Roberto Mancini challenged Italy to demonstrate their progress in France after they secured their first win under his management with a 4-1 victory away to Turkey in the second round of the UEFA Nations League Group A on Monday.
Italy had begun the campaign with a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium, but Belgium then suffered a 1-0 loss to France. France now lead the way with two victories, against Turkey and Belgium, at the beginning of Zinedine Zidane’s tenure as manager.
Mancini’s side produced their strongest first-half display for several years, moving 3-0 ahead in Bursa before completing the victory after the interval. He made eight changes to the starting line-up, and the decision paid off as Italy showed a sharp improvement from their opening match.
“Now we will try to prove that we deserve to be in France,” Mancini said after the match, setting up a demanding test against the unbeaten hosts.
Speaking to RAI Sport, in comments reported by Football Italia, Mancini praised his players for adapting to difficult conditions.
“We played on a pitch affected by rain that had continued throughout the day, and it was natural to expect a reaction from Turkey,” he said. “Everyone played a great match.”
Italy were also more effective with quick, one-touch passing than they had been against Belgium, offering a glimpse of the style of football Mancini had promised since returning to the role.
Sebastiano Esposito, Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri all made their international debuts, with each player included in the starting XI.
“Considering it was their first match, they performed well, so congratulations to them,” Mancini said.
The manager also explained why Giacomo Raspadori was replaced at half-time, after the forward had played a role in Italy’s impressive opening period.
“He was injured, and we were concerned that we might have to replace him five minutes into the second half, so we took him off at the break,” Mancini said.
He added: “The team pushed forward, kept possession and moved the ball well. Raspadori did what we asked of him and played a good match.”
Mancini later gave further details of his approach in an interview with Sky Sport Italia, again highlighting the state of the playing surface.
“I am satisfied. We adopted a very good approach on a difficult and muddy pitch,” he said. “I am very happy for these players because they deserve it.”