Mancini praises Italy’s 3-1 win over France but condemns penalty confusion

Italy manager Roberto Mancini praised his side’s character after a 3-1 victory over France, while expressing his frustration at an early Gianluigi Donnarumma mistake and a disputed missed penalty involving brothers Pio Esposito and Sebastiano Esposito.

The result was a significant statement from Italy, who recovered from conceding an early goal to claim a memorable victory in front of their home supporters. It also ended a long wait for a home win against France.

“It was a wonderful performance,” Mancini said after the match. “The players produced an excellent game and I am very happy for them. This victory was extremely important for the fans who came to the stadium.”

Mancini said Italy still had considerable work ahead despite the result. He added that the players were determined to restore the national team’s standing and return to contention for major honours after failing to qualify for the World Cup three consecutive times.

“There is still a lot of work to do. The road is long, but the players are determined to come back strongly,” he said. “Little by little, we will achieve something good. I liked everything today, even though we conceded an early goal and the match could have ended in a heavy defeat.”

Donnarumma error fails to derail Italy

Donnarumma’s mistake allowed Olympique Ulisses to give France an early lead and threatened to place the hosts under significant pressure from the opening minutes.

However, Mancini was pleased with the response from his players, who recovered their composure and regained control rather than allowing the setback to disrupt their performance.

“It was a mistake, and unfortunately these things happen in football,” he said. “But we stayed calm and returned to playing in the way we know. That is the most important thing.”

Italy will now travel to Brussels to face Belgium in their final group match. Mancini warned his players that the victory over France could not be treated as the end of the job.

“There are many things to think about,” he said. “This win does not mean much on its own. Now we have to go to Belgium and win.”

Esposito penalty dispute angers Mancini

Italy were awarded their first penalty in the 60th minute, with the score level at 1-1, after Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto. Pio Esposito was expected to take the kick, but his brother Sebastiano stepped forward and sent the ball wide.

Mancini reacted angrily, while Gabriele Oriali and Leonardo Bonucci intervened to make clear that Sebastiano had not been the designated taker. The player left the pitch a few minutes later as attempts were made to explain the incident to the manager.

Pio said his brother had a better penalty record, but confirmed that he had not been instructed to take the kick.

“My brother has scored more penalties than me, but he should not have taken it,” Pio said. “We were both included on the list of penalty takers. Seba has scored the most penalties in the entire team, and any player can miss one.”

Mancini was more direct, confirming that Pio was responsible for taking the penalty.

“Pio Esposito should have taken it,” he said. “The Esposito brothers will not make the same mistake next time.”

Italy’s victory was also historic. Their previous home win against France had come on 5 May 1962, when they won 2-1 in Florence.