Mancini: Italy Won EURO 2020 With Entertaining Football, Can Repeat the Feat

Roberto Mancini stated that Italy's EURO 2020 victory was achieved through entertaining, attacking play, and he believes "we can do it again," beginning with the Nations League match against Belgium.

The game is set to begin at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).

This Nations League group also includes France and Vincenzo Montella's Turkiye.

Mancini Confident in Italy's Winning Potential

Mancini's return to the national team bench carries a sense of nostalgia for the triumphant EURO 2020 campaign, which began at the Stadio Olimpico. He stepped away from the role for a brief stint in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

"There's a bit of nostalgia for what happened a few years ago," Mancini admitted to RAI Sport. "It was a fantastic time; the team achieved something extraordinary. We all have to prove ourselves every time we take the field, in any profession. The team must play well and, if possible, entertain the fans. That's the only way to win them back. It takes time, but we can achieve it."

Ticket sales for the match have been notably slow, with approximately 40,000 tickets sold, alongside over 700 visiting supporters from Belgium.

"Sport involves difficult defeats, but it also offers opportunities for redemption," Mancini reflected. "We mustn't forget what happened; mistakes were made. Even going out on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina involves a degree of misfortune."

Some selection choices were necessitated by player absences. Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, while Federico Dimarco, Marco Palestra, and Bryan Cristante are sidelined due to injuries.

Nicolò Zaniolo, who some had anticipated starting, is unavailable due to fitness concerns. Alessandro Romano is set to make his debut in a central playmaking role.

"I believe every coach aims to play good football and win matches," Mancini added. "We managed it before, and I think we can achieve it again. I'm not sure how long it will take, but we will give our all to make it happen fairly quickly, as we need positive results."

The team is expected to line up in a nominal 4-3-3 formation. However, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo at right-back and Nicolò Cambiaghi on the left flank of the attack, the formation can adapt to a 3-5-2 when needed.

Daniel Maldini is on the bench. Cagliari and the Italian national team have supported him following his car accident, especially after blood tests indicated no impairment from drugs, despite a breathalyzer reading slightly over the legal limit.

"I focus on his performance on the pitch, and he's started the season very well with Cagliari," Mancini commented. "The other incidents are things that can happen. Fortunately, there were no serious consequences, and he will be more careful next time."