Roberto Mancini in training with Italy in September 2026 (figc.it)
Dino Zoff was not inspired by what he saw at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night, but the 1982 World Cup-winning captain believes there is only one direction for Roberto Mancini’s Italy.
Speaking to La Repubblica after Friday’s 2-0 loss to Belgium, Quote from CalcioMercatoZoff noted the team’s early jitters. “I was scared at first. It was a lot in the first half,” he said. “Then it got into a fight, but the intensity I saw at the beginning shocked me.”
Zoff: “Talk less, do more”
With three Nations League games remaining in ten days, starting with an away game against Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, Zov sees value in the schedule itself.
“You need to talk less and work more. The other three games are important and the players will be able to spend time together. We are at the beginning of a new path and even if there is not much time, I am quite confident.”
He was unfazed by the average age of Mancini’s starting XI (23). “In my opinion, good lads can play at 16. The problem lies elsewhere.”
When asked where the problems lie, the former goalkeeper points forward. “I would say that’s where the team struggled up front. Even when we came out in the second half we didn’t score. You have to look for quality.”
While he admits the job is more difficult than it was in 2018, that’s what gives him hope.
“Yes, it’s obvious. We are coming out of a dark period. Really, nothing could be worse. It’s good for him: it’s easier to grow. In the situation we’re in, we can only improve.”