Headline: Mancini Highlights Promising Young Defenders as Italy Prepares for France Match
Roberto Mancini, the head coach of the Italy national football team, acknowledged that the current squad lacks a world-class defense like those in past generations. However, he expressed confidence in a new wave of emerging talent, including Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool, who he believes has the potential to become a great defender.
In an interview with Rai ahead of Italy’s UEFA Nations League clash against France on Thursday evening, Mancini discussed his player selections and the challenges that lie ahead. This will mark the second time Italy and France have faced each other in just over a month, following their recent meeting in Paris, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
During the interview, Mancini elaborated on the squad changes, highlighting players who have impressed him and those who still have room for improvement. He pointed out the emergence of young defenders, stating that while Italy may not currently have anyone to match the legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, or Fabio Cannavaro, there are many promising young talents developing within the system.
Mancini specifically mentioned Leoni, who is still on his way back from a serious knee injury sustained during his Liverpool debut over a year ago, along with Crystal Palace’s Honest Ahanor and Parma’s Matteo Palma. Although they were called up for the November break, they did not make the matchday squad against France.
“It’s quite difficult to reach the levels of Italy’s greatest defenders in history,” Mancini noted. “But, I think we have good defenders, and we need to work with them. Behind Bastoni and Scalvini, who are still young yet experienced, there are three or four other strong options. Palma and Leoni are going to be great defenders for me, as will Ahanor.”
