© JumpStory
Since taking over the reins of the Italian national team a year and a half ago, Roberto Mancini radically changed the team's face.
Having already secured their place in the European Championship, the Italians on Tuesday smashed Liechtenstein's team 5-0 as visitors. The opponent's name may not impress, but the victory is special in that it was R. Mancini's 9th consecutive win at the helm of the national team. Such a streak was only achieved by the legendary Vittorio Pozzo for eight decades.
"Being compared to V. Pozzo is nice, but I would rather repeat another of his records and win two World Cups," smiled R. Mancini.
The Italian national team secured their place in EURO 2020 the previous weekend by defeating Greece 2-0 in Rome. Prior to this match, the Italian national team's apparel manufacturer, Puma, made a strategic decision, dressing the players in a special green outfit symbolizing rebirth and revival.
In total, the Italians have won all 8 qualifying matches, scoring 25 goals and conceding only 3, which truly resembles a renaissance for the team, much to the delight of the fans.
It was a different story two years ago when Italy lost to Sweden in the World Cup qualifying playoffs and after a 60-year break had to miss a major football tournament. At that time, the national team coach Gianpiero Ventura became the nation's number one enemy.
When R. Mancini took over as national team coach in May 2018, the beginning was not impressive - they defeated Saudi Arabia in the first friendly match, but then followed a series of five matches without a win.
Now it is clear that the 54-year-old coach has restored the team's confidence and belief in themselves. "You can see that the Italian national team looks more confident, has more assurance, and follows the coach's instructions, who has clear ideas. Now we are doing amazing things, while two years ago we played poorly," said striker Andrea Belotti.
R. Mancini trusts the youth. Players such as 22-year-old Nicolo Barella, 21-year-old Federico Chiesa, 20-year-olds Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolo Zaniolo, and 19-year-olds Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean have already received their chances.
It is also important to note that R. Mancini has brought back the previously beloved 4-3-3 playing style to the national team.
Skeptics point out that Italy lacks tougher opponents in the group with Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Armenia, and Liechtenstein. However, in order to restore Italy's football greatness, R. Mancini's first goal was to qualify for the European Championship. And that goal has been confidently achieved.
