Mancini wants to change the fortunes of Italian football

Netherlands Italy coach Roberto Mancini wants to win the 2022-2023 Nations League after the defeat of his home clubs in the European Cup final.

* Spain - Italy: 1:45 a.m. June 16, Hanoi time.

"I think Italian clubs deserved better results. The fact that Italy had representatives in the finals of the European Cups last season shows that the quality of our football has improved. However, it is a pity that no team won," Mancini said on June 14 in Twente, Netherlands, at a press conference before the Nations League semi-final against Spain.

Mancini was upset when Italian clubs lost three European Cup finals last season. Photo: AFP — Mancini was upset when Italian clubs lost three European Cup finals last season. Photo: *AFP*

Serie A had representatives in all three European Cup finals this season but all failed. Inter lost 0-1 to Man City in the Champions League final, AS Roma lost 1-4 to Sevilla in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the Europa League final, Fiorentina lost 1-2 to West Ham in the Conference League final.

Italy are also in contention for the title as they reach the Nations League semi-finals for the second consecutive time. But they need to beat Spain if they want to meet Croatia in the final. In the 2020-2021 Nations League, the Azzurri lost 1-2 to this opponent in the semi-finals and Mancini does not want that to happen again. At Euro 2020, Italy beat Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals and then won the title.

"This is the second time Italy has reached the Nations League semi-finals. This time, we did it with a young squad. This is a great achievement. We take this tournament seriously. Winning the championship would be a great achievement, but Italy have formidable opponents ahead," said Mancini.

On the other side of the front line, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is under a lot of pressure after losing to Scotland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. They are expected to show a different side after a disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup. However, what his successor Luis Enrique has shown is quite lackluster. Spain has not won a title since the Euro 2012 championship.

"At the moment, we only have one goal: to beat Italy to reach the final. Spain has a great opportunity to win the title and we need to know how to seize it. We have the personnel to do it and are capable. But our opponents are as capable as us so everything will be difficult," said De la Fuente.

The Spanish coach believes that the encounter with Italy is worth waiting for because both teams are in a transitional period and have many areas to improve. He predicts that small details will decide the success or failure of the upcoming match.

Vinh San (according to Telegraaf )

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