Roberto Mancini says Italy’s strong start to the Nations League has exceeded expectations as the Azzurri prepare to face France in a crucial Group A1 fixture.
Italy have collected seven points from their opening four matches and sit three points behind leaders France, while holding a one-point advantage over third-placed Belgium. They meet both rivals this week, with France visiting San Siro on Thursday before Italy travel to Brussels to play Belgium on Sunday.
Mancini’s return to the Italy dugout came at a difficult time for the national side. The Euro 2020-winning coach took charge after Italy became the first former World Cup winners to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament. Several coaches, including Pep Guardiola, had also turned down the role in the summer.
Italy’s first match of Mancini’s second spell brought further concern as they lost 2-0 to Belgium. However, they responded by beating Turkiye home and away, with a 1-1 draw against France in Paris between those victories.
The results have left Mancini encouraged by the team’s progress.
“We want to confirm and improve on the previous performances, and seeing as we have seven points and two games left to play, we can still qualify, too,” he said.
“This seems positive to me, and, considering how things started, it’s a little unexpected.”
France will again be without Kylian Mbappe on Thursday after the forward reported discomfort in his thigh. He was also absent when the teams drew in their previous meeting.
Italy required an outstanding performance from Gianluigi Donnarumma to earn that result, with the goalkeeper making seven saves at the Stade de France. France’s Mike Maignan was called upon just once.
Mancini expects the latest encounter to follow a different pattern, despite being pleased with how Italy managed the defensive demands in Paris.
“We had a good game in France, including in those moments when we had to defend, because they are a great team,” Mancini said.
“France kept us pinned back, and in the second half, Gigio rescued us. Tomorrow’s game will be different. We will try to win against one of the best sides in the world.
“Zidane has won almost every match, he knows those players very well, he won so much at Real Madrid too, and I think he will have a great career at international level.”
A victory for Italy would secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with one match still to play, but only if Belgium lose away to Turkiye.
