Netherlands: Italy national team coach Roberto Mancini wants to win the 2022-2023 Nations League after his country's clubs' defeats in European Cup finals.
* Spain vs. Italy: 1:45 AM on June 16th, Hanoi time.
"I think Italian clubs deserved better results. The fact that Italy had representatives in the finals of European Cups last season shows that the quality of our football has improved. However, it's a shame that no team won," Mancini said on June 14 in Twente, Netherlands, at a press conference before the Nations League semi-final against Spain.
Mancini was dismayed that Italian clubs lost three European Cup finals last season. Photo: AFP
Serie A had representatives in all three European Cup finals this season but lost all three. Inter lost 0-1 to Man City in the Champions League final, AS Roma lost 1-4 to Sevilla on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Europa League final, and Fiorentina lost 1-2 to West Ham in the Conference League final.
The Italian national team also has a chance to win the title as they reach the Nations League semi-finals for the second consecutive time. However, they need to beat Spain if they want to face Croatia in the final. In the 2020-2021 Nations League, the Azzurri lost to this opponent 1-2 in the semi-finals, and Mancini does not want that to happen again. At Euro 2020, Italy won against Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals and then went on to win the tournament.
"This is the second time Italy has reached the semi-finals of the Nations League. This time, we did it with a young team. This is a great achievement. We take this tournament seriously. Winning would be a fantastic accomplishment, but Italy faces formidable opponents ahead," Mancini said.
On the other side of the battlefield, Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente is under considerable pressure following their defeat to Scotland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. They were expected to show a different face after their disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup. However, what Luis Enrique's successor has shown has been rather lackluster. Spain has not won a title since their Euro 2012 victory.
"Right now, we only have one goal: to beat Italy and reach the final. Spain has a great opportunity to win the title and needs to seize it. We have the personnel to do it and the ability. But our opponents also have the same capabilities as us, so things will be difficult," De la Fuente said.
The Spanish coach believes the clash with Italy is highly anticipated because both teams are undergoing a generational transition and have areas for improvement. He predicts that small details will determine success or failure in the upcoming match.
Vinh San (according to Telegraph )
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