From the Scudetto race to the Nations League, Roberto Mancini’s truths
“I hope 2023 will be the year of Chiesa and Zaniolo.”
With the sad mood of one who has lost a great friend – Sinisa Mihajlovic – and one who is worried about the fate of another – Gianluca Vialli – Roberto Mancini gave a long inteview to the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’. Many topics were touched upon by the Azzurri coach: from what could have been and wasn’t at the World Cup in Qatar, to the Scudetto race, and ending with hopes regarding his national team’s 2023.
“Where we could have gone in Qatar I don’t know, because it’s too easy to talk afterwards. I was leaning, but before, on Argentina because for Messi, the best of the last 20 years, to end his career without winning a World Cup would not have been fair either. But Italy, when it’s there, is dangerous for anyone: that’s why I always said we would aim to win it, and today I say we could play it. Even to try to win it, yes,” he began.
“Too difficult to make predictions about the Scudetto after 50 days of rest. But Napoli has a good chance: eight points ahead and a proven group that has also added two-three strong players. Let’s say that the Azzurri with three wins against Inter, Juve and Roma would put a serious mortgage on the title. The pursuers are all close to each other and all in time to catch Napoli again. They have to run hard and fast, though.”
The coach then commented on his team, from the tactical variations in the game to the jewels to be recovered ahead of the new year: “I think that, if we are all there, the 4-3-3 is the most suitable for us, who have outfielders good in one-on-one, and full-backs to push, to create superiority. But, watch out: Argentina would switch to three on the run, and we also have plenty of midfielders, who give more possession and aggressiveness. As well as players who can cover the flank and attack well. What is needed for a 3-5-2: offensive, though. At 2023, I ask that it doesn’t take anything away from anyone anymore, by way of sadness. If anything, give something back to Chiesa and Zaniolo, for it to be their year: after the European Championship I practically never had them, but with them and the full group we can really start to do well again. And maybe one thing 2023 will bring us: the Nations League in June. It’s up to us, the chances are there, and it wouldn’t hurt to win it,” he concluded.
