Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has urged calm following the national team’s disappointing start and the criticism after their defeat to Belgium. Ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Turkey, Mancini emphasized that Italian football requires time to build a new, competitive squad and confirmed he plans to make changes for the upcoming match.
“We need to stay calm and not get as nervous as we currently are. We faced a strong team that could cause us problems, and they did. In the second half, we responded well. Matches are often decided by moments, but Belgium deserved the win. Now we have the chance to perform better,” the coach said.
Mancini confirmed that the lineup will be altered against Turkey. He pointed out that such a congested schedule makes it impossible for the same players to feature in every game.
“We will change several players and give others the opportunity to prove themselves in important matches. It’s impossible for anyone to play four games within such a short timeframe,” the manager explained.
The Italy coach admitted that criticism does not bother him and linked the current phase to a natural generational transition within the national team.
“Criticism doesn’t affect me; there’s too much nervousness around. We need to keep calm. Against Turkey, I will make changes to evaluate other players. We simply need time to work and build a competitive team. Nothing more,” Mancini stated.
“There are different cycles, and unfortunately, Italy is going through one now — without the generation of Totti, Del Piero, and players like them,” added Roberto Mancini.
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