Roberto Mancini claims Italy clashes with England should be renamed El Clasico.
Italy boss Mancini also claimed Gareth Southgate’s side are “one of the best in the world” as the old rivals prepare to go into battle again. T he Azzurri broke English hearts in the Euros final at Wembley in 2021 and they also defeated England in the Nations League in Milan last year while they shared a goalless draw at Molineux.
England have not won in Italy since 1961 but they have become very familiar rivals as they go head-to-head again for Euros qualification. Former Manchester City boss Mancini said: “It's become a bit of a Clasico. It’s the fourth time we've come up against them.
“They are oine of the best teams in the world. An extraordinary group of players. They’ve been unlucky always. It will be a tough game tomorrow night.
“We have gone from a triumph to a huge disappointment. Winning the Euros then not qualifying for the World Cup. Football can be cruel, I don't think the team deserved that.
“We need to try to reproduce what we've done in the past. We need to go to playing well, entertain people and win matches. That's crucial to once again be what we were ahead of Euro 2020.”
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The Italy players will wear a special tribute to former coach and Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli on their shirts as Mancini also said it will be an emotional occasion following his death in January.
“It's very emotional obviously because it's the first time we've played since Luca's passing,” said Mancini. “We are very fortunate to have had him as a teammate and to have worked alongside him.
“You were lucky to have him in London and he almost became an honorary Lononder. So you know what he's about. People like him are immortal and will always be with us.”
Meanwhile, Italy’s lack of strikers - they are blessed with defenders and midfielders of the quality of Marco Verratti - has forced them to call up Mateo Retegui, using the “Irish granny” rule made famous by Jack Charlton. Argentinian-born Retegui, currently on loan at Club Atletico Tigre from Boca Juniors, has been called up to much debate in Italy.
Mancini said: “I think it's not necessarily easy to join up with Italy and come into the national team as opposed to a club side. It will take him time. He's very switched on, polite and he's a great striker. He's young of course. We have great faith in him but it will take time.”
Mancini also brushed off questions about being at the centre of the ongoing Premier League inquiry into Manchester City and whether he was being paid by two different clubs. He denied it had been a distraction.
Mancini added: “No, I haven't been contacted or called up by anyone and I don't think anyone will contact me. I have paid my taxes, it's all above board. So I don't think anyone will be in touch.”
