Roberto Mancini says England CAN win the World Cup as he praises his inexperienced Italy side’s win over ‘one of the best teams in the world’… despite Gareth Southgate’s men extending their winless run to FIVE games
- Roberto Mancini says England are one of the best teams in the world after win
- Giacomo Raspadori’s second half strike saw Italy beat England at the San Siro
- Despite the defeat Mancini believes England can win the World Cup in Qatar
- The Italy boss praised his inexperienced side in the Nations League victory
- Click here for all the latest World Cup 2022 news and updates
Italy coach Roberto Mancini praised his inexperienced team for the character they showed in a 1-0 win over England in the Nations League on Friday, but insisted Gareth Southgate’s men are still one of the favourites for the World Cup.
In a game of few chances at the San Siro, Italy looked more ambitious and settled the game through Giacomo Raspadori’s 68th-minute strike.
The victory also gives Italy a chance of topping the group and making the playoffs, but they will need to beat Hungary in Budapest after the surprise leaders won 1-0 in Germany.
Roberto Mancini has praised his Italy team for beating ‘one of the best teams in the world’
‘It is very important, as it gives us a sense of calm to be top seeds for the draw, we also have the chance to top the group and (we) beat England, one of the best teams in the world,’ Mancini told reporters after the win.
The defeat for England saw them relegated from their Nations League Group, and extend’s Gareth Southgate’s winless run to five games.
Yet, despite their poor form the former Manchester City boss added that he believes England are still one of the favourite’s for the World Cup in Qatar.
Giacomo Raspadori’s second half goal settled the game as Italy beat England at the San Siro
‘You [England] are in the World Cup and that is the most important.
‘My opinion is that England is one of the best teams in the world even if they lose the game. ‘They can have a good chance in the World Cup.’
Mancini opted to field a 3-5-2 formation against England, as opposed to the 4-3-3 that Italy have employed in recent years, but the 57-year-old played down the importance of the tactical change.
‘The system is one thing, but what matters is the character of a squad, the desire to attack and take control,’ Mancini said. ‘We still have a lack of experience in the side and some very young lads, but we played well today.’
Italy, who have eight points from five matches, face Hungary on September 26.
The defeat saw England relegated from their Nations League Group and are now winless in five
