After Italy’s 2-0 home loss to Belgium in the Nations League opener, Beppe Bergomi said Roberto Mancini’s team showed “old ideas” and did not reflect the attacking approaches of Serie A sides such as Inter, Roma, Frosinone and Como.
Italy used a nominal 4-3-3 that shifted to a 3-5-2 in some phases. Bergomi said he expected the full-backs to push forward. He praised Nicolò Cambiaghi as Italy’s most incisive player for creating chances for Kean and Pio Esposito, called Nicolò Barella the best midfielder and said Italy struggled defensively.
It was Mancini’s return to the Italy bench after he left in 2023. Bergomi said Mancini has ideas and will need time, but he expected more in the first game. Serie A had yet to produce a 0-0 draw that season; Frosinone and Cagliari were praised for their aggressive attacking style.
