Roberto Mancini believes that only confidence is needed to turn a mediocre Italy into a world class team again after Jorginho rescued a point for the new-look Azzurri in a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Nations League A Group 3 opener on Friday.
Jorginho’s penalty 12 minutes from time made amends after the Chelsea midfielder’s blunder had allowed former Napoli teammate Piotr Zielinski’s opener for Poland just before the break in Bologna.
Mancini, 58, was appointed after the four-time winners’ shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
And after a timid start, key substitutions — including promising Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa — allowed the former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager to save face in his first competitive game in charge.
“I knew it was going to be difficult. They are a team that, at this moment, have more confidence than us,” said Mancini.
“In the first half we made some technical mistakes, but then in the second half the guys were very good.”
Mario Balotelli, making his first competitive appearance since the 2014 World Cup for Italy, had an uneventful night before being replaced after an hour.
“Mario needs to play, he is an experienced player on the international stage, but his fitness levels are an issue right now,” explained Mancini of the 28-year-old Nice player.
“There are many young players we can build on and I think we saw that in the second half, as we pushed forward and more importantly didn’t make as many errors in our passing,” he added.
Italy struggled early in all areas, Zielinski opening 40 minutes in by converting Robert Lewandowski’s pass after Jorginho was caught in possession.
Substitutions worked
Mancini brought on Giacomo Bonaventura, 29, in place of Lorenzo Pellegrini, 22, but star Poland striker Lewandowski almost snatched a second goal for the visitors to the thunderous applause of the 4,000 Polish fans.
Andrea Belotti then came on for Balotelli to a mixture of whistles and applause, with Chiesa replacing Lorenzo Insigne after 71 minutes.
The newcomers provided the spark that was needed.
The son of former international striker Enrico Chiesa, the 20-year-old Fiorentina player forced a save from Lukasz Fabianski and was then brought down by Jakub Blaszczykowski for a penalty, which Jorginho converted.
Italy pushed for the winner but had to settle for a point before their trip to Lisbon where they will be playing a Portugal side missing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Poland will play their next matches in the Nations League at home on October 11 against Portugal and on October 14 against Italy.
“It’s an important point, it’s just a pity we were unable to make more of our chances,” said coach Jerzy Brzeczek, who took over after Poland crashed out in the group stage of the World Cup.
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