Roberto Mancini says that he was not overly stunned that Italy’s 2-0 defeat towards Belgium on Friday night time led to boos from the Stadio Olimpico crowd, however insists that ‘it wasn’t all damaging, as the primary 25 minutes of the second half confirmed’.
Mancini responds after Italy had been booed off the Olimpico pitch
Mancini’s second debut as the pinnacle coach of the Italy nationwide staff led to a 2-0 defeat at house towards Belgium, who punished an underwhelming Azzurri facet with targets from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio within the capital.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Mika Godts of Belgium scores a opening objective through the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group part match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Marco Rosi/Getty Pictures)
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The Stadio Olimpico barely reached half of its capability, with attendance figures reported to be round 40,000 after a disappointing calendar 12 months for the nationwide staff. Nonetheless, the supporters made their voices heard at full-time as Italy walked off to a spherical of boos.
Mancini was requested in regards to the reception he and his gamers obtained after full-time throughout his post-match press convention on the Stadio Olimpico.
“We’ve got to climb Everest and will probably be stunning once we get to the highest,” stated Mancini (by way of TMW). Boos can occur once you lose. Nevertheless, it wasn’t all damaging as the primary 25 minutes of the second half present.”
ROME – SEPTEMBER 25: Italy staff and Belgium staff gamers observe a minute of silence in reminiscence of Franco Baresi the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group part match at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome. (Picture by Marco Rosi/Getty Pictures)
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Mancini additionally admitted that the World Cup play-off remaining defeat towards Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be enjoying on his gamers’ minds.
“It is one thing that weighs pretty closely, however now we have to let it go. We will not take into consideration what’s occurred prior to now, now we have to assume positively and never about what occurred beforehand as a result of we will not change that.”
So, what should Italy work on within the subsequent few days earlier than their subsequent Nations League take a look at towards Turkey on Monday night time?
“We’ve got to start out once more from the nice issues that we noticed through the first 25 minutes of the second half,” stated Mancini. “We had been aggressive, recovered the second balls and we did not concede something. We should not pressure issues when there isn’t a area.”
Click on right here to learn Mancini’s post-match TV interview.