A year after Italy won the Euro, coach Roberto Mancini looked back at the triumph and discussed multiple Azzurri to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It was a miracle, but not just the tournament, also the three years leading up to it. It happens to win a competition because everything goes your way, but that was not our case. The build-up went through several important matches, not just those seven ones.”
The gaffer considered stepping down after the World Cup flop.
“I found myself in a very difficult situation. Instead, the debacles against Argentina and Germany were different. I had taken for granted that we would lose two or three matches in a row. They were superior to us considering our squad. Such loud missteps could help us be more focused in the future.”
On top of Nicolò Zaniolo, Mancini addressed a few of the Italy players that are subjected to transfer market buzz.
“I would advise Gianluca Scamacca to join PSG. Playing abroad would increase his experience and help him grow. He has everything to be a great center-forward, and he knows it. As for Willy Gnonto, I just care about playing time and not the team. I was curious to test out Andrea Pinamonti since he lacks international experience, but he was unavailable.”
“I think that the dualism with Keylor Navas tired Gianluigi Donnarumma out mentally. Alessio Romagnoli will be an option if he fares well, as it is the case for everybody. Ciro Immobile was injured in June, and he has not told me that he would quit.”
Mancini remains confident about the Azzurri’s future.
“I have always had just two goals in mind since I took over, winning the Euro and a World Cup. I continue to think that we will indeed manage.”