Spoiler Alert: Italy’s Mancini says no superstars, team effort key to countering Spain

The Italian national team is set to face Spain in the second round of Euro group matches. Ahead of the clash, Italy’s coach Roberto Mancini addressed the press, emphasizing the importance of a collective approach to contain Spain’s individual talents.

Mancini praised Italy’s performance in the opening round, stating, “I hope my team can reproduce the level from the first game, even against one of the world’s strongest sides. The Italian team knows how to play attacking football, how to make quality passes, how to control games with short passes, and how to execute tactics. We need high intensity pressure, with a mad desire to show our capabilities.”

When asked about Italy’s strategy against a possession-oriented Spanish side, Mancini replied, “The key is to maintain control of the match. Playing Spain might involve more long balls as they will push forward, so we must adapt. We must be solid, as they’ll continuously pressure our defense, even from the goalkeeper. But when they push up, that’s when our opportunities come, and we must seize them.”

Commenting on Italy’s self-positioning after all teams have played in the tournament, Mancini was straightforward: “There are two ways to win matches and championships: through teamwork or relying on star players. I believe Spain has stronger individual abilities, capable of deciding open games. So, we should follow the first path, the team route, because we lack someone who can single-handedly win us the match.”

Mancini underlined the significance of controlling the game, saying, “What’s done is done, but I hope the team replicates the spirit shown against Albania. We must try to control the match, as giving Spain possession could be fatal. I love Spain’s style of play, their ability to progress the ball quickly. Morata is a good mover up front, and their wingers’ one-on-one skills are top-notch. We must guard against their counterattacks; they can be deadly in open spaces.”

When queried about potential penalty takers if the match goes to spot kicks, Mancini joked, “Scamacca, Retegui, Di Maria are good options, I think Calafiori can take them too, and of course, Jorginho.”