Mancini says Italy must ‘climb Everest’ after Belgium defeat
The Italy coach said he was not surprised by the boos after a 2–0 home loss, while pointing to a promising spell early in the second half.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he was not surprised by the boos that greeted his side after its 2–0 Nations League defeat to Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 25 September.
“We have to climb Everest and it will be beautiful when we get to the top,” Mancini said, according to Yahoo Sports. He said the performance was not entirely negative, pointing to the first 25 minutes of the second half.
Belgium scored through Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio. Mancini said Italy had been aggressive during that second-half spell, recovered second balls and conceded little.
He also said the players were still carrying the weight of their World Cup play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but urged them to focus on what lies ahead.
Italy’s next Nations League match is against Turkey on Monday.
