Roberto Mancini was applauded by reporters after naming Gianluca Vialli as the person he missed most from his first spell as Italy manager.
Mancini made the remark after Italy’s 3-1 win over Turkiye, a result which moved them back into second place in the Nations League. Italy are three points behind France and one ahead of Belgium, who were beaten 4-1.
The manager returned to the Azzurri bench after leaving in the summer of 2023 to take a job in Saudi Arabia. His comeback was met with criticism and hostility, and Italy subsequently lost 2-0 at home to Belgium in their first Nations League match.
However, victories against Turkiye and Belgium, together with a 1-1 draw in France, have put Italy back in contention.
Asked at his post-match news conference what he missed most compared with his first period in charge, Mancini replied quietly: “Gianluca Vialli.”
The answer prompted spontaneous applause from the assembled media, many of whom remembered Vialli fondly as a former Italy striker and a member of Mancini’s coaching staff.
Italy’s squad has changed since their EURO 2020 triumph, with Mancini now overseeing the development of a younger generation.
“Turkiye are not so weak, despite their defeats,” he said. “We changed nine players and therefore lost some of that fluidity in our gameplay, but we couldn’t do otherwise with a fourth game in 11 days.
“We are pleased because we have improved as an overall team, regardless of the results. The fact we can play for qualification in the Nations League is already a good achievement.”
Mancini praised Riccardo Calafiori after the Arsenal defender scored his first senior international goal.
“Riccardo Calafiori is already a leader, in technical, physical and intellectual terms, absolutely,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for Antonio Vergara and Alessandro Romano to gain more experience, while noting that Issa Doumbia’s regular Champions League football had helped him.
“Antonio Vergara needs to play these games so he can keep raising the bar, and I’m sure he will improve a great deal in future,” said Mancini. “Issa Doumbia already plays regularly in the Champions League, so has the advantage, but I liked both their performances today.
“Alessandro Romano, Vergara, they all need to play these games to get accustomed to the level.”
Gianluca Scamacca scored his first Italy goal in three years, although Mancini had been frustrated by the striker’s movement before the goal.
“I think considering Scamacca’s quality, he can do a lot more,” he said. “I took him off, along with Matteo Ruggeri, because both were booked and the referee seemed to be eager to pull out a second yellow at any moment.”
Pio Esposito came off the bench to score his seventh goal for Italy in only his 13th senior appearance.
“He is extraordinary,” said Mancini. “In the space of two years he can comfortably be the kind of centre-forward who helps the team work, just like Christian Vieri and Luca Toni did.
“Considering his physicality and technical quality, I believe he can become a great centre-forward.”
Turkiye manager Vincenzo Montella is facing calls for his dismissal after four Nations League defeats, although he previously guided them to the World Cup and Nations League A.
“Mancini has done an excellent job,” said Mancini. “He was missing key players, so naturally that takes away a lot. This evening was a very balanced encounter and both teams played well.”
