Mancini rekindles love for Azzurri

Rome, Monday

Roberto Mancini has turned the clock back for Italy, recapturing the atmosphere of the 1990 World Cup the country hosted, with a 1-0 win over Wales capping a perfect Euro 2020 group-stage run.

Three years after taking over following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, Mancini has lead the Azzurri back to centre stage in emphatic fashion. All Italy’s group matches have been played in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

And the song “Notti magiche” (Magical Nights) popularised during their home World Cup 31 years ago when Italy reached the semi-finals rang out among the thousands of fans who were both delighted to rediscover their all-conquering national side and return to the stands after over a year away because of the pandemic.

After a perfect European qualifying run, Italy have continued that form in the group stage, beating Turkey and Switzerland, both with a 3-0 scoreline, before the victory over the Welsh sealed top spot in Group A. It was an 11th consecutive victory without conceding a goal.

“It was nice to hear the Stadio Olimpico singing ‘Notti magiche’ (Magical Nights),” said 56-year-old Mancini.

“It brought us back a few years when we were all younger and we felt an extraordinary love for the national team. This is why I want to dedicate this victory to them.”

He added: “We say Ciao Roma and thank them for what they have done.” 

Matteo Pessina’s goal before half-time means Italy will play the runner-up from Group C, either Austria or Ukraine, at Wembley, where the semi-finals and final will also be hosted.

Italy extended their unbeaten run to 30 games -- 25 wins and five draws -- a feat last achieved under two-time World Cup winning coach Vittorio Pozzo between 1935 and 1939.

“I’d like to resemble one of the coaches who won the World Cup,” said Mancini, who has been in charge of four-time world champions Italy for 35 games. Pozzo won many other important things. We are still behind.”

Another record beckons -- a 12th consecutive victory. That was achieved by Ferruccio Valcareggi, who led Italy to their only European title in 1968, and a runners-up spot in the World Cup two years later. - AFP