Did Italy really earn that 3-1 win? Italy struggled to beat Turkey (3-1) on Monday in Bologna, with Roberto Mancini rotating up to nine players. He admitted everyone was fatigued, yet the side rallied after a sluggish start. He knew the flood of changes would sap some fluidity, but the team still performed admirably.
Mancini pulled Scamacca and Ruggeri after they each saw a yellow card, fearing the referee would target them again.
Looking at the current second place in the group, which guarantees a Nations League quarter‑final, the coach reminded everyone that consistency is key; in November Italy must be ready to give their all in Belgium. We improved a tricky situation, but for my money it’s still far too early to draw firm conclusions.
When pressed about who he missed most from his early tenure, Mancini earned a round of applause by naming Gianluca Vialli.