Roberto Mancini calms Italian scepticism after France draw before hosting Türkiye | OneFootball

Returning to the job amid widespread scepticism three years after an unpopular resignation, Roberto Mancini has eased the mood with a strong display at the Stade de France. Italy now host Türkiye on Monday at 20:45.

According to L'Équipe, he returns on Monday night to Bologna’s Renato Dall’Ara, where he made his Serie A debut on 13 September 1981, aged 16.

His July return was scarcely welcomed and he knew the Stade de France would be a stern test, with many still recalling his surprise August 2023 resignation during Euro 2024 qualifying and the lucrative Saudi deal that followed. The new era began with a 0-2 loss to Belgium in Rome on 25 September.

He stuck to his method of trust, calm and front-foot football. Italy won 4-1 in Türkiye on 28 September, then drew 1-1 with France. On 1 October he said the mood would change if results arrived, and that belief and togetherness came first.

Healing the scar of a third straight World Cup qualifying failure will take time, but March’s Bosnia play-off, 1-1 then 4-1 on penalties, already feels further away. Nicolo Barella said the coach fosters calm and that renewed enthusiasm underpinned their response after France scored.

This is a fourth match in 11 days, so Mancini will rotate heavily. Moise Kean is injured, and 23-year-old Antonio Vergara, a debutant at the Stade de France, could start. He said talented youngsters must be trusted.

Source: L'Équipe

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