Italy coach Roberto Mancini smiles during a press conference ahead of the Nations League match against Belgium (figc.it)
Roberto Mancini has until Friday morning to select his starting XI for Italy’s match against Belgium. ‘Two questions. Nicolo Zaniolo, Moise Kean and Nicolo Cambiagi can play on the right or left.
The match kicks off at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST) on Friday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Nations League Group A consists of France and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey.
It is a return to the national team for the coach who won the Euro 2020 trophy but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and controversially left in August 2023.
Italy in crisis after Mancini’s exit
What was the goal heading into this extremely tough NFC group, given the ruins he returned to?
“It’s not easy to play well from the start because we only have two days to prepare for this game.” Mancini said at a press conference.
“That’s what international football is like, we have to work quickly and get results, that’s the only cure for our woes. We want to get to the last four of the Nations League, it’s a strong group, so it won’t be easy, but we will try.
“I can’t wait to hear the national anthem. A lot of these players are very experienced and naturally there will be pressure, but it’s positive pressure because playing football is their passion and they need to enjoy it.”
Alessandro Bastoni is suspended and Federico DiMarco and Brian Cristante have withdrawn through injury, so there are some doubts about the first game.
“We are very close to the starting lineup, but there are two doubts. We will make a decision tomorrow morning.”
The biggest concern is believed to be the attacking trio, with Moise Kean, Daniel Maldini and Giacomo Raspadori vying for one spot and Nicolo Zaniolo and Nicolo Cambiagi for another, with only Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito convinced.
“Cambiagi can play on the right or left, like Kean and Zaniolo,” Mancini replied.
“Sandro Tonali arrived with a slight physical problem but didn’t feel anything else, so he should be fine.”
Mancini famously used two playmakers in the Italian team: Jorginho and Verratti, so can he repeat that?
“Every player has his own characteristics and we now have a very different midfield with Jorginho and Verratti.”
Alessandro Romano should make his debut in midfield after impressing at Cagliari before switching to Italy after representing Switzerland at U-21 level.
“I didn’t know him that well before, but he impressed me and I wanted to see more. We believe he will be very useful for the future of the national team. He has vision, plays one touch and Claudio Ranieri worked with him at Roma, so that’s important too.”
“Young players can make mistakes at first, so it’s important to help them and believe in them. Mistakes are how they learn.”