Mancini praises Italy’s response as France challenge follows Turkey rout

Roberto Mancini says Italy must prove their progress when they face France after securing their first victory under his management with a 4-1 win away to Turkey in the Nations League on Monday.

The result came in the second round of Group A and followed a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium in Italy’s opening match. Belgium then lost 1-0 to France, who have now won both of their matches against Turkey and Belgium at the start of Zinedine Zidane’s tenure.

Mancini has already set his players another test, saying after the match: “Now we will try to prove our worth in France.”

Italy made eight changes to their starting line-up in Bursa, and the decision produced what Mancini described as the Azzurri’s best first-half performance for several years. They led 3-0 at the interval before completing the victory after the break.

“We played on a pitch that had been affected by rain which had continued throughout the day, and it was natural to expect a reaction from Turkey,” Mancini told RAI Sport, in comments reported by Football Italia.

“Everyone played a great match.”

Italy’s display was markedly different from their performance against Belgium. Their quicker, one-touch passing provided a glimpse of the style Mancini had promised since returning to the national team.

Sebastiano Esposito, Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri all made their Italy debuts, with each player included in the starting XI. Mancini was pleased with the contribution of the newcomers.

“Given that it was their first match, they performed well, so we congratulate them,” he said.

Why was Raspadori replaced at half-time?

Giacomo Raspadori was taken off at half-time despite producing a positive performance, with Mancini revealing that the forward had been carrying an injury.

“He was injured, and we were worried we might have to replace him five minutes into the second half, so we substituted him at the break,” Mancini explained.

He added: “The team pushed forward, kept possession and passed the ball well. Raspadori did what we asked of him and played a good match.”

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Mancini said he was particularly satisfied with the way Italy handled the difficult conditions in Bursa.

“I am satisfied. We adopted a very good approach on a difficult and muddy pitch,” he said.

“I am very happy for these players because they deserve it.”