COVERCIANO – Mancini returned to Coverciano as coach for his second spell with the Azzurri, and before leading the training session at the start of the Nations League campaign, he held the traditional press conference. He looked smiling and motivated, expressing his joy to be back, and spared a thought for Sandro Mazzola. His goal is to get the national team back to where it deserves to be. "We'll get some great results," Mancini assured. "To win, you need a team that plays well, that enjoys the game, and that wants to achieve something important. We need to have fun first and foremost; if you don't enjoy the sport, you can't achieve certain results. We're fortunate; our work is our passion.".
“"We have competitive matches coming up right away," warned the coach, who will make his debut against Belgium on Friday the 25th at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. "We must try to win them, also to climb up the rankings. We don't know how much time we'll need, but we'll have to be quick in evaluating the players we have and understand what they can give us in the future." From a tactical standpoint, Mancini explained that various solutions are possible. "We can play with two strikers, with a 4-3-3, but also in other ways.".
Mancini has called up nine new and talented players to the national team. "I've called up young players because it's important to get to know them and see them on the pitch to build a very strong team in the future." Be careful not to miss out on those with dual citizenship and also consider those who don't play in Serie A. "Zoma, for example, plays in the German Serie B, which is at an excellent level. He's doing well, and we hope he continues.".
Mancini will have Diana Bianchedi at his side, making her debut as head of the national team delegation: "She has made history in a very important sport like fencing," said the coach, recalling her connection to her hometown of Jesi. "Her experience can only be of help to us." Regarding the fact that referee whistles have decreased and goals have increased in the first five matchdays of this Serie A season, Mancini reiterated his view: "I've always thought that Italy played at a slower pace than abroad because so many fouls were called. I think this is very positive. And the fact that 0-0 has disappeared for now makes it more entertaining for those who watch the games.".
