Italy manager Mancini described his side’s 1-1 draw with France in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage as an “extremely crucial test” after they recovered from conceding the opening goal.
Speaking to the official Italian Football Federation, Mancini said he had been eager to see how his players would respond after their physically demanding match against Turkey in Bursa.
Italy’s starting XI was almost unchanged from that game, but Mancini was impressed by the way his players handled the demands of facing France away from home.
“Before this, I was very curious about how the players would react after a physically demanding and exhausting match like the one in Bursa against Turkey, because today’s starting lineup was almost identical to the previous game,” he said.
“Despite the difficulties and challenges in this match, the players’ performance was truly outstanding.”
France had more possession during the first half and were able to call on a group of highly talented players, but Mancini felt Italy limited the hosts’ threat while creating opportunities of their own.
“In the first half, although the opponent, with their incredible top players, controlled more possession, we actually gave them almost no real threats or great opportunities,” he said.
“At the same time, we also had two or three chances ourselves that could have led to goals, which shows that we always had the desire to attack actively and win the game.”
Mancini also highlighted Italy’s organisation when they were pushed deeper and praised the team’s response after France took the lead through an outstanding individual effort from Olise.
The goal left Italy behind, but the visitors quickly regained their attacking intent, using aggressive high pressing to win the ball back and pursue an equaliser.
“In the second half, although the opponent broke the deadlock and put us behind with an excellent individual effort from Olise, we then showed great mental fortitude,” Mancini said.
“We regained possession through aggressive high pressing and showed a strong desire to equalize. Everyone’s performance in this regard was truly outstanding.”
The Italy manager said the display was convincing in every area, pointing to the team’s resilience as well as its willingness to attack despite France’s control of possession.
“Two clues do not make a certainty,” he said, but added that the performance at France’s home stadium represented an important step and that Italy had delivered a satisfactory match.
