Italy coach Roberto Mancini claimed he is “optimistic” ahead of the 2020 European Championship, but said “group isn’t as easy as everyone is saying”.
Italy are placed in Group A alongside Turkey, Wales and Switzerland and Mancini confessed that their opponents could prove to be very dangerous, as “all three of them have nothing to lose.”
“The group is not as easy as everyone is saying,” Mancini told Radio Anch’io. “But we can be optimistic. I believe all of the three have nothing to lose.”
“They have good and young players. Switzerland are always annoying. They know Italian football perfectly well.
“Wales might be a surprise and Turkey also took four points from France in their group in the qualifiers.”
At this moment, Mancini confirmed that he is set on a group of players but will be lenient towards new special talent. Also claiming that Serie A’s leading goal scorer Ciro Immobile has got competition up front.
“The group is outlined,” he said. Then, if some young players stand out, like a new Paolo Rossi or [Salvatore] Schillaci… we would love that.
“We hope to continue as well as this [in attack]. We don’t just have faith in Immobile, but also in Gallo [Andrea Belotti] and some others.
Italy start the Euro 2020 with a match against Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico on June 12, 2020.
“I brought back the atmosphere from the ‘magical nights.’ We need enthusiasm. It’s not easy to always win, even when there are matches that aren’t top class. It required a positive environment. We scored as many as Belgium, so it’s fair to be positive.”