PARMA. Four months without national team, without matches, without training. The field was missing for Italy and its coach Roberto Mancini who will play the 28th match on the Italian bench today in Parma (live Raiuno at 8.45 pm). And it won’t be a race like any other. Of course, 2021, due to Covid, will give Chiellini and his teammates first the European Championships and then the final phase of the Nations League but the Tardini stadium will host a “first” not to be mistaken. Mancini himself does not hide the fact that “you have to get off to a good start” in these qualifiers for the world championships in Qatar next year. Also because the calendar has not been kind to Italy. In Parma, tonight, it will already be a real challenge, a tough challenge. Not to be mistaken.
Northern Ireland missed the qualification for the European Championships only in the play-off, lost against Slovakia, put many big players in difficulty and presents themselves as the most difficult opponent of the triptych that in a week will see the Azzurri on the field also with Bulgaria and Lithuania. “We haven’t seen each other for many months and Northern Ireland will be the most insidious opponent” comments Mancini, who also reflects on the unprecedented “not simple” formula of the three qualifying matches in a week. But the team «has the right mentality. He knows he sees a good start ». Starting on the right foot, immediately with a success, but also with great balance because today’s opponents are «physically strong and know how to defend very well, starting off in counterattack. We will have to be very patient, because the spaces will be very limited. Especially at the beginning it won’t be easy ».
Roberto Mancini and Italy return to the Tardini exactly two years after the qualifying match for the European Championships against Liechtestein. Back then, it was March 26, 2019, Italy won 6-0. But Parma does well for the Azzurri even with more popular opponents: out of the previous seven, the balance is six wins and one defeat, a friendly match with France in 2012.
The field will reserve few training unknowns as Mancini has clear ideas. “I have only one doubt” and he refers to Barella, who arrived yesterday in retreat after having overcome the Covid problems at Inter. For the rest Donnarumma between the posts with Chiesa, Immobile and Insigne in attack. In defense Chiellini with Florenzi, Emerson and Bonucci who enters the exclusive club of national teams with one hundred appearances.
Probable formations. Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson, Barella, Verratti, Locatelli; Church, Building, Insigne.
Irlanda del Nord (3-4-1-2): Peacock-Farrell, Evans, Ballard, Cathcart, Dallas, McNair, McCann, Kennedy, Smith, Boyce, Magennis.