Mancini: ‘Esposito brothers got confused, Italy always play to win’

MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, speaks to Riccardo Calafiori during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Roberto Mancini confirms the Esposito brothers ‘got confused’ over who was meant to take a penalty in Italy’s 3-1 win over France. ‘We should always play with the idea of winning.’

The Azzurri had a rough start to the Nations League group when losing 2-0 to Belgium, but also a difficult start tonight at San Siro, going behind within 10 minutes when Michael Olise pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma howler.

Francesco Pio Esposito equalised, then Sebastiano Esposito fired a penalty off target, but Davide Frattesi and Pio Esposito managed to turn the game around anyway.

Mancini focus on Italy success

“I gave what I could give, but the players were the ones who received it quickly, even if we know there is a long road ahead of us,” said Mancini in his press conference.

“After going behind so early, we could’ve conceded another three or four if we’d let our heads drop, instead we did well to keep calm. We’ve got to improve in our courage, the young players must do things enough times that they become normal. It takes time, and I hope the older figures in the team can help the process.”

There was confusion on the touchline when Sebastiano Esposito stepped up to take the first penalty, but Pio claimed that both the brothers were on the list as potential spot-kick takers.

“Pio was the first on there, then Sebastiano, so maybe they got confused between brothers. Next time, they won’t get confused again,” replied Mancini.

Soon after the penalty miss, Sebastiano Esposito was substituted, and Italy scored another two goals.

“I am the coach, so I have to decide. We needed pace on the right, because Seba was a bit fatigued. Federico Dimarco could also have given us options from set plays, he is not a classic winger, but he can play that role.”

There had been some doubt on the starting 4-3-3 line-up, with Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi impressing on the left, providing an assist and winning a penalty.

“Dimarco is a wing-back, but he can run and has a great foot. He might not always be able to play there, but there are games where he can.”

Pio Esposito is a remarkable talent, as this was his ninth goal in just 14 senior caps, having turned 21 over the summer.

“We hope he can score many more goals. Gigi Riva had 35 and it’s not so far away, so we hope he can get there. We need goals from Pio and everyone else, but he can certainly score many,” added Mancini.

Italy are now top of the Nations League group on 10 points, so a draw in Belgium would suffice to reach the quarter-finals, although the coach seems to have his sights set firmly on first place.

“Even if my team isn’t necessarily at the same level as the opponent, I still think we should always play with the idea of winning, because anything can happen in 90 minutes. You can lose or win, because this is football.”

Mancini had walked away from the Italy job and many doubted his return, so does he feel like this is making up for lost time?

“I am just happy to be here and help getting this team back where it belongs. We can only do that by playing football. I’m very happy trying to help Italy achieve certain objectives.”