Bergomi: ‘Mancini old ideas, Italy not reflecting aggressive Serie A approach’

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Nicolò Barella of Italy kicks the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

Italy legend Beppe Bergomi feels Roberto Mancini showed he is out of touch with a changing Serie A. ‘We saw old ideas, none of what we’re seeing at Inter, Roma, Frosinone or Como.’

The Azzurri were beaten 2-0 at home by Belgium in the opening Nations League match last night, the return of Mancini to the bench after walking away in 2023.

He adopted on paper a 4-3-3 formation, but with the versatility of Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Nicolò Cambiaghi allowing the shift to 3-5-2 in different phases of the game.

It was not just the performance that disappointed Sky Sport Italia pundit and 1982 World Cup winner Bergomi, but the way they went about it.

Bergomi disappointed by Mancini’s Italy

“I frankly expected something very different. You can lose, but I expected to see some of what Serie A has been offering this season,” said Bergomi.

“Inter, Roma, Frosinone and Como play in a certain way, but we saw none of that. It was all old ideas, with Barella or Tonali trying to accompany the centre-forward. So out-dated.

“I had expected the full-back to push up and join the forwards, but instead it was studied differently. Cambiaghi was the most incisive of all, he took opponents on a few times, providing the assists for Kean and Pio Esposito chances that forced great saves.

“Barella was the best midfielder, but we struggled a lot in defence.”

Serie A has not seen a single 0-0 draw so far this season, with teams like Frosinone and Cagliari praised for their aggressive, attacking style of football, despite being the kind of club generally in the relegation fight.

Roma, Como and Inter are known for their entertaining approach, getting everyone involved in the attacks, so Bergomi expected some of that to be reflected in Mancini’s Italy.

“I think that Mancini has ideas and it will take time, but I honestly expected to see something different from the first game. Serie A is giving so many interesting approaches, we are enjoying watching those matches, every team has its own take.

“This Italy side did not propose any of what we’re seeing in the league,” concluded Bergomi.