Mancini reacts after international break as Esposito leads attack

Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he had a positive experience with the team as he returned to the Azzurri dugout for his second stint.

Mancini left the role after leading Italy to EURO 2020 glory. He started his second stint on the Italy bench with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the Nations League opener, then drew against France and went on to secure a victory against Turkey.

“It was a positive experience with the lads, even though I don’t think this is an ideal format. We need to have balance, because the first match wasn’t a disaster, nor is it vice versa now.”

Italy are now on the verge of automatic qualification for the Euro 2028 tournament to be held in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Speaking at an awards ceremony in honor of Gianluca Vialli, Mancini said he missed the legend who was part of his team for the Euro 2020 success.

He pointed out that the legend was as important as a teammate, as a director of the Nazionale. 

“He was something special. When we were at the Coverciano training camp, I was always thinking of him. When we played in Rome, I remembered he used to pretend to be doing something and running late, just so he would be the last one on the bus,” Mancini confessed.

In a related development, Pio Esposito has said he remained humble as he continues his fine form for both club and country.

The center-forward has scored seven goals in 13 senior caps for the Azzurri since making his debut in September 2025.

He also scored twice in the four Nations League matches played during this break, along with providing an assist.

“I don’t forget that two years ago I was playing in Serie B. Last season I made 50 appearances with Inter, and now I am playing alongside two of the best strikers in Serie A,” he added.

He has also broken into the Inter squad with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

The Inter academy product has also scored two goals with one assist in five Serie A appearances for the club so far this season.