Italy Gaffer Blasted After Crushing Defeat to Belgium | OneFootball

Inter legend Beppe Bergomi has slammed Italy manager Roberto Mancini after Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium. During his latest interview, as reported by Football Italia, Bergomi took stock of Mancini’s second touchline debut for the Azzurri.

Mancini returned to the helm in July following a trophy-laden spell in Qatar with Al-Sadd. The experienced coach won the Qatar Stars League and the UAE-Qatar Super Shield during his only season at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

With Gennaro Gattuso stepping down from his post after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIGC president Giovanni Malago was desperate to appoint a serial winner. As such, Mancini, who led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory, returned home in July.

However, Malago’s decision to bring the 61-year-old back immediately faced plenty of skepticism. Last night’s loss to Belgium only intensified scrutiny on the former Scudetto winner, as Italy started the new UEFA Nations League season with a whimper rather than a bang.

Italy Boss Roberto Mancini Blasted After Belgium Defeat

“I frankly expected something very different. You can lose, but I expected to see some of what Serie A has been offering this season,” Bergomi said. “Inter, Roma, Frosinone and Como play in a certain way, but we saw none of that. It was all old ideas, with Barella or Tonali trying to accompany the centre-forward. So out-dated.

“I had expected the full-back to push up and join the forwards, but instead it was studied differently. Cambiaghi was the most incisive of all, he took opponents on a few times, providing the assists for Kean and Pio Esposito chances that forced great saves.

“I think that Mancini has ideas and it will take time, but I honestly expected to see something different from the first game. Serie A is giving so many interesting approaches, we are enjoying watching those matches, every team has its own take.