Tardelli: ‘Italy need Tonali in midfield’ and reflects on 1982 World Cup

Tardelli: ‘Italy need Tonali in midfield’ and reflects on 1982 World Cup Marco Tardelli believes Italy are beginning to find their way out of the hole they have dug for themselves, and singled out one midfielder in particular. Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb , the 1982 World Cup winner was asked about the current crop in the middle of the park. “They are players with a certain personality,” Tardelli said. “Tonali has what’s needed in midfield. I believe that bit by bit we’ll manage to come out of the tunnel.” BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, looks on before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) Tardelli backs Mancini’s four-year target for Italy He was also asked whether he believes Roberto Mancini’s claim that Italy can win a trophy within four years. “I want to believe it, because Mancini is the national team coach and the national team belongs to all of us. I think the second game was an important key to being able to go far. I believe in it.” Asked about Giovanni Carnevali’s similar prediction for Luciano Spalletti at Juventus , he drew a line. “Those are private problems. The national team is public. Juventus is private.” Tardelli, whose celebration after scoring in the 1982 final remains among the most replayed images in Italian football, hopes that side is remembered for more than the trophy. “Thank goodness nobody forgets me and my team-mates. I hope it’s remembered as something very important for an Italy that at that moment was in difficulty. And not only in football terms.” Comparing that squad to the 1978 vintage, which finished fourth in Argentina, he saw continuity rather than contrast. “In 1982 we had sparkling football and we won the World Cup. In 1978 we had sparkling football and we prepared ourselves for the victory of 1982.” On who should lead FIFA, he declined to offer a name. “I don’t have a name but a great fear, guess what it is.”