Italy CT Roberto Mancini spoke with the press leading up to tomorrow's Nations League match against Poland. He touched on a variety of topics, from the upcoming match to his experiences with the Azzurri to this point.
"The objective was to reconstruct this team and do well in the Nations League to secure a spot in Euro 2020. Since May we knew that this would take time, it's not easy to change a lot of things."
"When all of our players are available, we'll find the group that can do great things in the future and there won't be problems when putting together a group for the Euros."
"The journey began in May. We need to put a squad together and take them to the Euros. Portugal, for now, is the best and are deservedly leading the group. We'll probably compete for second place with Poland, but you never know in soccer."
"One month ago our players still were not in peak condition and there was the danger that someone could have hurt themselves, especially by playing two matches so close together. I had to see the young players play."
"Today, our players are more ahead with their conditioning, we've recovered well. So, we'll continue like this."
"Do I feel like tomorrow's a test for me? I began this journey and my first important goal was to qualify for Euro 2020. I feel great with the people that I work with at the Federation, there's never been any problems."
"Whatever happens after with the Federation doesn't regard us very much. We're interested with what happens on the pitch. When there's a president, we'll certainly see each other, but our only focus is on the Euros."
"A center-forward is important for the team, but sometimes you don't have one to play and you have to find the right solution."
"I think that, at the end, tomorrow will go well. If it doesn't, it's not the end. If we come in third place, that doesn't mean we don't play anymore or that we don't go to the Euros."
"Nations League was made to give more value to these games. I don't see any drama. We'll try to win, but it doesn't change anything."
