Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 28 Sept 2026
Stramaccioni backs Mancini: don't judge Italy in three days
The former Inter coach says Italy's Belgium collapse shouldn't be pinned on Mancini after just days on the training pitch.
Who
Andrea Stramaccioni
On
Roberto Mancini
Match
Italy 0-2 Belgium
Preferred shape
4-3-3
What happened. Andrea Stramaccioni defended Roberto Mancini against criticism after Italy's 0-2 loss to Belgium, arguing it is ridiculous to judge a coach after three days at Coverciano, one of them spent solely on set-pieces.
- He said nothing Mancini prepared worked in the opening half-hour, but Italy improved after the break.
- He blamed the whole team, not debutant Romano, for the first-half struggles against De Bruyne.
- He named Donnarumma, Bastoni, Tonali, Barella and Kean as Italy's spine, backing a 4-3-3.
“it's ridiculous to criticise a coach after three days at Coverciano, one of which was dedicated solely to set-piece work.”
— Andrea Stramaccioni
Stramaccioni insists the 4-3-3 must be tailored to the players available, with midfield balance the real issue to solve.
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