Mancini tells Italy to accept fans' boos after Belgium defeat

Mancini's second Italy spell began with a 2-0 loss to Belgium, and he had a clear message for his players about the crowd's reaction.

R. Mancini

coach

View profile →

What happened. Roberto Mancini reportedly told Italy's players to 'accept and understand' fans' boos after a 2-0 loss to Belgium in his first game of his second spell in charge. La Gazzetta dello Sport singled out four veterans — Tonali, Barella, Di Lorenzo and Mancini — for criticism.

• Italy were booed at half-time and at full-time against Belgium.
• Mancini tried to convey optimism, insisting the journey has just begun.
• Barella and Mancini are among ten players training in Coverciano, missing the Turkey game.

“the boos must be accepted and understood, because they stem from a disappointment and from a love that feels betrayed”

— La Gazzetta dello Sport

Italy face Turkey on Monday without ten players, including Barella and Mancini, who are training in Coverciano.

In this story

S. TonaliR. ManciniItaly

More to read

Football Italia

Donnarumma: ‘I’m happy Mancini back for Italy, not easy in Manchester’

Football Italia

Mancini’s first Italy press conference: Reasons for optimism and concern

The Guardian

‘I’m very sorry’: Mancini apologises after being reappointed as Italy head coach

Football Italia

Mancini: ‘Italy the love of my life, I hope fans can forgive me’