Bursa, Turkey — September 28: Roberto Mancini watches Italy prepare for the Nations League showdown with Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Mancini says Italy will relish testing Zinedine Zidane’s France, even joking they’d love to see the French catch nasty colds, while Moise Kean’s injury looms.
The match kicks off at Stade de France in Paris on Friday at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).
After rotating heavily between a 2‑0 loss to Belgium and a 4‑1 win in Turkey, Mancini admits tomorrow’s line‑up remains a mystery.
It also marks Zidane’s first home game on the Bleus bench after 1‑0 victories in Turkey and Belgium.
Mancini wants an aggressive Italy in France.
“Facing Zidane will be a pleasure, but this isn’t a duel between us,” Mancini told reporters.
“It will be a great contest between two sides still finding their rhythm. Whatever the result, the experience will aid our progress,” he added.
Kylian Mbappé has pulled out with a knee problem and returned to Real Madrid for treatment.
“France are further along in their development, yet the challenge stays high. It excites us to try beating players like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué. We’d love to see them catch a nasty cold and drop a few levels…”
“We aim to make a strong impression, not merely sit back and defend. Our goal is always to play for victory,” he emphasized.
Italy left Samuele Inacio, Alessandro Romano, Honest Ahanor, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Diego Coppola, Daniele Ghilardi, Eddy Kouadio, Rolando Mandragora and Massimo Pessina out of the Coverciano camp.
The swing from a loss to a win begs the question: what does Mancini’s Italy truly look? For my money, the side still feels a step behind its rivals.
“We must avoid over‑celebrating a win or sinking after a defeat. Against Turkey we displayed solid football, and Belgium offered some intriguing second‑half moments,” he noted.
It remains unclear whether Michael Kayode will retain his right‑back spot after a debut goal, or if Giovanni Di Lorenzo will be reinstated.
“Kayode is youthful, needs to keep improving. He combines physical strength with attacking flair while defending well. Inacio is also young, requires time with us to gain experience, and will get chances despite limited minutes at Borussia Dortmund,” Mancini explained.
Moise Kean has seen limited minutes since his disputed move from Fiorentina to Como, and that isn’t the sole worry.
“Kean suffered a few fitness setbacks, which kept him out on Monday. We’ll see if he can join us in Paris,” Mancini said.
Mancini faced probing questions about the alleged ‘sham’ Manchester City extra contract, a matter that could now trigger a tax probe.
“It has nothing to do with me. A legal process is ongoing, and I’ve already stated I wasn’t involved,” he replied.
Closer to home, Italy delegation chief Diana Bianchedi submitted her resignation last night, raising the prospect of a FIGC special commissioner.
“We’re saddened by her departure; we already miss her. Though her tenure was brief, the former Olympic champion knows sport and conducted herself impeccably,” he added.
“Stability matters, but with the FIGC president closely monitoring the match, it isn’t a pressing issue now,” Mancini concluded.