Mancini: ‘Italy stayed calm, France could’ve destroyed us, now for victory in Belgium’

MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, gestures 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 warns Italy’s job is not done after beating France 3-1, because they ‘need to go and win in Belgium’ to keep top spot in the Nations League. ‘We deserved the victory.’

The Azzurri knew going in that qualification would probably always go down to the final match against Belgium in Brussels.

They had gone behind early at San Siro when Michael Olise made the most of a Gianluigi Donnarumma howler, but Francesco Pio Esposito got them back on level terms meeting the Nicolò Cambiaghi pull-back.

When Sebastiano Esposito fired a penalty wide, fans feared the worst, but Davide Frattesi gave them the 2-1 lead before Pio Esposito converted another spot-kick for the 3-1 result.

Mancini saw Italy confidence grow

“A great performance, the lads did so well, I am happy for the fans and hope they enjoyed themselves,” Mancini told RAI Sport.

“The goal was an error, unfortunately these things happen. We managed to stay calm, continued playing, and eventually thoroughly deserved the victory.”

Italy had not beaten France on home soil since May 1962, and this was a huge step forward in their Nations League campaign, topping the group on 10 points thanks to a superior head-to-head record with France.

All that’s needed now to reach the quarter-finals is a point in Belgium on Sunday, but Mancini is aiming higher than second place.

“There are too many wonderful moments, unfortunately this victory counts to a certain degree, because we need to go and win in Belgium anyway, so football is incredible,” added the coach.

It is remarkable considering Mancini’s debut was a dismal 2-0 home defeat to Belgium back in September, how much the Nazionale have grown in two months.

“We have work to do, there is a long path ahead of us, the lads certainly want to make up for everything that has been, and we’re at a good point. Conceding a goal against France after 10 minutes could’ve destroyed us, instead we stayed calm, and after seven or eight minutes, we got back on track.”