Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali urged the squad's senior figures to shoulder public criticism and allow younger team-mates to develop with total freedom. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Nations League encounter against Turkey, the 26-year-old confirmed he has recovered 100 per cent fitness.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini called for calm surrounding the national team as the Azzurri prepare to face Turkey in Bursa. The match brings Mancini face to face with his former Sampdoria strike partner Vincenzo Montella following an opening Nations League loss to Belgium.
Sandro Tonali has delivered a blunt assessment of the current Italy squad, admitting the Azzurri lack a marquee superstar following their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. The Tottenham midfielder has called for supporters to remain patient as Roberto Mancini attempts to integrate a new generation of talent into the national team set-up.
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella issued a passionate rallying cry to his squad, vowing to defeat Italy following a narrow 1-0 Nations League loss to France. The Italian tactician plans significant tactical changes for Monday's high-stakes clash in Bursa, including moving Arda Guler to number 10.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini decided to split his 33-man squad, leaving key stars including Nicolo Barella and Daniel Maldini at Coverciano. The manager opted to spare ten players the arduous flight to Turkey to conserve energy for upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The former midfielder, a team-mate of Mancini’s at Sampdoria, sounds the alarm: "The system must change radically, otherwise in four years’ time we will be sitting on the sofa again watching the others"
Riccardo Calafiori has urged his Italy team-mates to look at the positive aspects following a frustrating 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium. The Arsenal defender admitted that the Azzurri still have plenty of work to do after being jeered off the pitch by their own supporters.
Mark van Bommel enjoyed a dream start to his tenure as Belgium manager after securing a historic 2-0 Nations League victory over Italy. The impressive triumph in Rome snapped a 52-year competitive winless streak against the Azzurri and propelled his side to the top of their group.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini remained defiant following a difficult night in Rome, insisting his side showed signs of recovery despite suffering a Nations League defeat at the hands of Belgium. The Azzurri boss dismissed the significance of the jeers heard at the final whistle, choosing instead to focus on the instructional value of a challenging second-half performance.
Belgium forward Mika Godts paid glowing tribute to Kevin De Bruyne following the playmaker's masterclass in their impressive 2-0 Nations League victory over Italy in Rome. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico before highlighting the midfielder's creative brilliance in guiding Mark van Bommel's men to all three points.
Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo has jumped to the defence of the Azzurri's tactical approach following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the Nations League. Despite being jeered by their own supporters in Rome, the Napoli captain insisted the squad showed the necessary commitment and followed the manager's instructions.
Roberto Mancini's second stint as Italy manager got off to a nightmare start as the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio proved decisive in a match where the home side failed to capitalise on their chances, leaving their Nations League campaign facing an immediate uphill battle.