Scalvini: ‘Mancini told Italy this is a game we’ll remember when we are old’

MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates 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)

Giorgio Scalvini reveals what coach Roberto Mancini told the Italy players before their historic triumph over France. ‘He said these are nights we’ll remember when we are old.’

The Azzurri had not beaten their cousins on home turf since a friendly result in May 1962, managing only two draws and four defeats, including three losses on the bounce.

They had a rough start here too, going behind in the opening 10 minutes when Michael Olise pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma error.

Francesco Pio Esposito equalised, then Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty, but Davide Frattesi and another spot-kick converted by Pio Esposito turned it around for the 3-1 victory.

Scalvini relished Italy triumph

“It’s a fantastic moment, it was a great performance and wonderful to win here at San Siro,” Scalvini told Sky Sport Italia.

“The coach told us before the game these are nights we’ll remember when we are old, so we knew that we had to make it count.”

It was a difficult situation here too, and Italy wobbled in the opening stages, but Scalvini slowly found his feet in that 4-3-3 formation.

“France are such a strong side with phenomenal pace, so they came out well, but we stayed united and managed to take control in the second half. I get along great with Bastoni, I always said he was an idol for me, and playing alongside him is fantastic. It doesn’t change much whether we’re in a three-man defence or four,” added the Atalanta defender.

Now the Nazionale are top of Nations League Group A1 on 10 points, ahead of France due to the superior head-to-head record, but it all goes down to Sunday’s trip to Belgium.

“We’ve got to enjoy this victory tonight, then from tomorrow we’ll start preparing for the trip to Belgium. We need the right attitude and to be fired up.”

A point would be enough for Italy to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, but they have their sights firmly set on winning the group, especially after the dismal opening 2-0 home defeat to the Red Devils in September.