Roberto Mancini praises North Macedonia

DBasia.news – The reputation of being the European Cup 2020 champion did not make the Italian national team feel superior in front of North Macedonia. This was confirmed directly by the coach, Roberto Mancini.

Italy will host North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup play-off match at Renzo Barbera, Friday (25/3) 02.45 WIB. Only a win can keep Gli Azzurri’s chances of advancing to the finals.

On paper, Italy are much stronger than North Macedonia. The material for the players of the two teams is also striking.

But in a game full of pressure like the World Cup play-offs, anything is possible. Being pressured can actually make Italy fail to perform optimally.

Mancini is well aware of this. Therefore he gave a warning that Italy was not the favorite in the match later.

“Every game starts at 0-0 and anything can happen during the 90 minutes. I don’t see us as favourites, because every game has to be played, including those that may seem easy on paper,” Mancini said at the pre-match press conference.

Mancini has his reasons, Italy’s performance has not been convincing since becoming champions of the 2020 European Cup.

On the other hand, North Macedonia experienced improved game graphics. The success of advancing to the play-offs already illustrates it clearly.

“North Macedonia defended well and had good technique. Don’t forget they won away to Germany in qualifying,” added Mancini.

“We need patience, but it starts at 0-0. We don’t need to turn the result around.”