Italy boss Roberto Mancini has stated that the Azzurri dominated the second half against England and he seemed rather pleased with the team’s performance in the second half, despite the 2-1 loss to the Three Lions.
England were impressive in the first-half, as goals from Harry Kane and Declan Rice handed them a 2-0 lead. Italy, who were subpar in the first half, came out with a different spirit in the second half and debutant Mateo Retegui pulled one back early on. Despite Luke Shaw’s sending off, England managed to hold off Italy’s onslaught.
It is England’s first win in Italy in 61 years and the Azzurri’s first European qualifiers loss since 2010. But after the game, Mancini spoke to Rai Sport (via TMW) and he shed light on the second half showing.
“We knew the game was going to be difficult. We conceded two goals from two corners. We dominated the second half and we should have tried to at least equalize. We’re sorry but the road is long.”
He further stated: “We started pressing better, which we didn’t do well in the first half. The second half saw a great national team and this bodes well.”
Retegui scored on his debut for the side and this meant that he scored in his first game outside of Argentina, as he has never played outside the country.
Mancini also spoke about the striker and stated:“He’s been with us for three days and he needs to get to know his teammates and Italian football. He’s had a little difficulty because the physically strong English defenders have limited him. He needs some time.”
Italy’s next game sees them take on Malta and that will be the last game of the current international break.
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
