Mancini: Italy’s Lack of Fluidity Expected After Nine Changes Against Turkiye

Roberto Mancini anticipated Italy would lose some fluidity after making nine changes in their 3-1 victory against Turkiye. He, however, holds high hopes for Alessandro Romano. Mancini stated that underestimating Turkiye would have been the greatest mistake, and his warning proved valid as Vincenzo Montella’s team dominated the first half. Following several saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma and sustained Turkish possession, Gianluca Scamacca broke the deadlock with a lucky rebound and a volley from eight yards. Aral Simsir eventually scored a deserved equalizer, but Riccardo Calafiori’s first international goal and Pio Esposito’s close-range finish secured the 3-1 win.

Mancini Expected Italy Struggles

“Despite the changes, naturally there was also fatigue. We struggled at the start, but the players did well to recover, score again after the 1-1, so it was a good game given it was the fourth in such a short period,” Mancini told RAI Sport. Nine alterations to the starting lineup from the match in Paris inevitably impacted the performance in Bologna. “The only certainty was that we would lose some of that fluidity; it was fully expected and predicted. We also had two players on yellow cards, and the referee seemed inclined to book them again, so I substituted them.” Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano returned and was occasionally used in a mezz’ala role rather than as a playmaker. “Romano can handle that role easily; he needs to play these games to keep improving.”

Italy concludes this run of four Nations League matches in 11 days with clear improvements since their opening 2-0 loss to Belgium. They defeated Turkiye 4-1 in Bursa, drew 1-1 in France, and achieved this latest result at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna. The Nazionale will regroup next month for the final two Group A games, hosting France on November 12 and visiting Belgium on November 15. “We must continue like this; we’ll probably have to play for our qualification spot in Belgium.” Italy now sits second in Group A with seven points, trailing France (10 points) but ahead of Belgium (six points).