Mancini: ‘Italy played as a team, another step forward’ with 1-1 in France

Mancini: ‘Italy played as a team, another step forward’ with 1-1 in France Roberto Mancini is glad Italy ‘played as a team’ throughout in their 1-1 draw with France, seeing it as ‘another step forward in our journey.’ The Azzurri were called to confirm whether they were the team seen in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, or the one that emerged with a 4-1 victory in Turkiye . The answer after this 1-1 draw in Paris was certainly more confidence-boosting, as they had numerous good chances to score, and although Gianluigi Donnarumma needed some big saves, they emerged unbeaten from the Stade de France. Mancini sees Italy progress Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy salutes coach Roberto Mancini after his substitution in the Nations League MD3 trip to France (@azzurri) “We knew it would be a very difficult match, especially at the start, but we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession,” Mancini told RAI Sport. Alessandro Bastoni scored for the second game in a row, his first appearances since the World Cup play-off in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cancelling out the Michael Olise deflected free kick. Alessandro Bastoni dedicates his Italy equaliser against France in the Nations League MD3 (@azzurri) “We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and so it is certainly a very positive evening for us,” added Mancini. “I wanted this to be another step forward in our journey. I liked that we tried to play football, despite being against an extraordinary France side full of champions. “At times we suffered, but always tried to score goals whenever we had the chance, so that’s very good.” Sandro Tonali of Italy salutes coach Roberto Mancini after his substitution against France in the Nations League MD3 (@azzurri) Even after the late Dayot Upamecano red card left France down to 10 men, both Zinedine Zidane and Mancini were pushing for the victory to the final whistle. “This is football, both coaches and teams wanted to win right to the end.” Belgium crushed Turkiye 4-1 this evening, so Group A is wide open again, as France have seven points, Belgium six and Italy four. The Italy starting XI against France for the Nations League Matchday 3 in Paris, October 2, 2026 (@azzurri) “I saw some good things in the second half against Belgium too, but of course results change the way people evaluate the games,” added Mancini on Sky Sport Italia. “Gigio saved us on occasion, but we played when we needed to play, we created chances throughout the match. I know that by working, these lads can create a great Nazionale. It will take time, there will be moments when it goes better, others not so good, but it takes time.”