Mancini to Rotate Italy Squad Against Turkiye, Cites Player Fatigue

Roberto Mancini urged calm following Italy's loss to Belgium, stating the public reaction was excessive. He confirmed plans to change the lineup for the upcoming match in Bursa.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Mancini said, “We need to stay calm and avoid agitation. Belgium is a strong team that gave us problems, but the team responded well. Games have turning points; Belgium ultimately deserved the win, but the match could have gone differently.”

With four games in eleven days, significant squad changes were expected.

“We will certainly make changes. It’s impossible for one player to handle four games this close together,” he explained. “This also gives us a chance to evaluate other players in important matches.”

This suggests opportunities for players who were on the bench and potentially a debut for an uncapped player. Mancini named nine players without a senior cap in his squad. Two of them, Issa Doumbia and Mohamed Ali Zoma, were introduced late in the game against Belgium when the outcome was already decided.

Mancini dismissed criticism directed at Alessandro Romano, who debuted in central midfield and struggled against Kevin De Bruyne.

“It doesn’t bother me. I believe Romano had a very good game. Everyone makes mistakes, even experienced players. We are pleased with his debut against Belgium.”

The match against Turkiye marks a reunion with Vincenzo Montella, Mancini’s former strike partner at Sampdoria in the 1990s. Mancini anticipates a challenging game.

“Turkiye is a strong team, full of talented players. They always have been, and now even more so. They didn’t deserve to be eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage. It will definitely be a tough match.”

Recalling their playing days together, he commented warmly, “The important thing is that we are still here, at this level. Despite his physique, he wasn’t large, but he was incredibly quick, skillful, and possessed an exceptional sense for goal.”

Italy is currently at the bottom of Group A1. A positive result is crucial to prevent the upcoming match in Paris from becoming a decisive fixture.