Roberto Mancini is focused on the European Championship: “With humility we can go a long way”
SENT TO SM OF PULA. Roberto Mancini chooses Cragno for tonight’s friendly match against San Marino. But he is not unbalanced on the ballot between the Cagliari goalkeeper and Meret. One of the two will complete the trio of goalkeepers who will go to the European Championships. «In the role we are quite covered, there is only the embarrassment of choice. Cragno is good, but so is Meret. Unfortunately, one will have to stay at home. We are making evaluations ». Roberto Mancini reaches the area where the press conference is held by bicycle. The air of relaxation that can be savored at Forte Village in Santa Margherita di Pula is good for him and for the group. “These days are very useful because it was essential to assess the conditions of individuals. The injured are better off. I believe that Verratti and Pellegrini will make it, Sensi has to be evaluated. I am concerned about its constant relapses. Raspadori is technically very good but he is also not very well, we will evaluate him between today and tomorrow. If his conditions improve, he could go with the Under 21 team. We’ll see ».
Football is experiencing difficult moments linked to the pandemic and the market goes crazy. Several Azzurri do not yet know their future. «The national team has always united – underlines the coach -, especially when you have to play big competitions. We are enthusiastic, the wish is and go as far as possible at the European Championships. Win them? Why not, we are a mature team, which has grown a lot since we started. In our group there are many young people who have more experience, ready to put their qualities on the field. Players troubled by the transfer market? “No, they are calm and relaxed. These things have always happened, the market always coincides with Europeans and worlds: better if the situations in the balance are resolved sooner. But whatever happens we are faced with intelligent and above all mature guys ».
Mancini is satisfied with the retreat in Sardinia. «We are in a beautiful place that is allowing the group to relax and release the tensions accumulated in the championship. It is clear that from Monday, when we meet in Rome, we will work to achieve the right concentration for the start of the tournament. Now it is right for the boys to rest ».
The friendly match with San Marino is a catwalk to see an experimental team at work. «Given that we want to win it – adds the technical commissioner – it will be a useful game to focus on our football concepts and to see young people who have had less space at work. Our group is not easy, we will have to get to the first appointment in physical and mental form. Intense competitions await us, against dangerous and well organized opponents ».
Without Jorginho, Sensi and Verratti the problem of the director arises. «In the meantime, Cristante will do it today – announces the coach -. He has the qualities to play this role well ». Mancini almost frowns when asked about the final list for the European Championship. “They will be painful choices. I count on getting to 26 buckets with no additions for players in the balance. But by 1 June you can still change. It is an evolving situation but I am confident ».
Belotti comes from a negative period. Only one goal from play in the second round. «The league said that many players have grown up, others have not finished in the best way. But Belotti doesn’t bother me. He helped us a lot during qualifying, I’m sure he will give his best ». Italy that plays proactive football, that wants to lead the game. Concepts that Mancini passed on to a receptive team. «In the meantime, I hope that this national team can entertain Italian fans at the next European Championships. It has always been a glue. In difficult moments he brought enthusiasm among the people ».
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