Italy’s showing against England showed plenty of promise for the future even though the reigning champions kicked off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 home defeat on Thursday, coach Roberto Mancini said on Thursday.
Italy was already trailing 2-0 in the Group C encounter in Naples by the time debutant Mateo Retegui reduced the deficit 11 minutes into the second half.
“We had started well with a high press, which we didn’t do for the rest of the first half. I saw a great Italian team in the second half and that bodes well for the future,” Mancini told RAI sport.
Mancini said that Gareth Southgate’s side was superior on the set pieces, which helped England to secure their first win over the Azzurri on Italian soil for 62 years despite having Luke Shaw sent off.
“England is dangerous on set plays, we allowed the first (goal) I think due to a distraction, then the penalty was also from a corner. I think we deserved to score at least another goal after the break,” Mancini said.
“We might have started by facing an uphill struggle this time but hope to end it smoother.”
Mancini was impressed by Retegui’s goal, but he had faith in the 23-year-old Club Atletico Tigre player to continue developing.
“Due to the physical strength of the England defenders, who limited him in the first half, he struggled. After the break, he moved more fluidly, but he is still young and plays football in Argentina, so he needs more time “Mancini uttered.
On Sunday, Italy will go for Malta to compete in the Euro 2024 qualifying round.
