Despite a long-term contract, the future of Roberto Mancini will be at stake in the World Cup playoffs. The coach will seriously mull over stepping down.
FLORENCE, ITALY - MARCH 22: Head coach Italy Roberto Mancini speaks with the media during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on March 22, 2021 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Mancini Backs Immobile, Praises His Center-Backs Ahead of Spain Clash

After Luis Enrique, also Roberto Mancini held a pre-game presser before the semi final against Spain, as transcribed by Tuttomercatoweb: “There are optimal conditions inside this national team, the relations are great. We must play a tremendous game tomorrow to reach the final. Some tension is normal in the lead-up, but then you have to make as few mistakes as possible.”

On Spain: “It will be tough, but they are different from Belgium. They have been extraordinary for years even though some new players came in, and they are younger now. They have an excellent coach, who won some Champions League with Barcelona. His Roma played nice football, which proves his quality. They dominated over the last 20 years through their style, and they are not going to change it now. Our brand is slightly different from Tiki-Taka. We start on equal footing tomorrow.”

On Ciro Immobile: “He was the Golden Shoe recipient and one of the top scorers in the last few seasons. Often the most criticized player ends up deciding a World Cup or the Euro.”

On Wembley with no domestic fans: “It is unfair that supporters from Italy or Spain can not attend. Clearly, it is better to play in front of a crowd than the opposite, but it is not ideal.”

On the injuries: “Andrea Belotti picked up a knock against Belgium, and we managed him yesterday. Rafael Toloi had the same issue, but they will be fine for tomorrow.”

On Giorgio Chiellini: “I have been saying for years that he and Leonardo Bonucci form the best defensive pair, but they want to prove it every time. I hope he will be able to play three matches in a row; otherwise, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni are in great form.”