Italy’s senior side and Under-21s both face decisive fixtures, with Roberto Mancini in Bologna and Silvio Baldini in Pescara chasing results that would cap a revived international window.
Roberto Mancini has promised tweaks to his Italy line-up as the Azzurri prepare to host Turkiye in Bologna, needing a result to secure second place in their Nations League group and keep their spot in the competition’s top tier. The Under-21s face their own decisive test on Monday, meeting Poland in Pescara at 18.15 with European Championship qualification at stake.
Two away results have changed the mood. Italy beat Turkiye 4-1 in Bursa and drew 1-1 in Paris, and Tuttosport reports that the run has reignited enthusiasm around the national team.
Mancini wants the momentum carried through to the final group game. Speaking ahead of the fixture, he set out his aim plainly.
“Let’s finish in style. I’ll change something.”
Corriere dello Sport expects Vergara to start in the front three. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mancini has been working alongside Gianluca Scamacca with the message of ending the window on a high. Moise Kean, however, is injured, according to Tuttosport.
The pressure sits heavier on the visiting bench. Tuttosport claims Vincenzo Montella’s position as Turkiye coach is now at risk after the heavy defeat in Bursa, which makes the Bologna meeting a significant night for the Italian tactician.
Mancini’s return to Bologna adds a personal note. The former striker began his senior career at the club, and he now returns there as national team coach for a game that could decide which division of the Nations League Italy compete in next time.
In Pescara, Baldini’s Under-21s go into their qualifier knowing that, per Corriere dello Sport, victory over Poland would book their place at the Under-21 European Championship. The same paper says the side will lean heavily on Niccolò Pisilli and Cissé.
Off the pitch, the federation faces its own deadline. Corriere dello Sport reports that the vote involving Giovanni Malagò is scheduled for Tuesday, as the leadership dispute at the FIGC continues. La Gazzetta dello Sport has also raised questions around Buonfiglio, reporting that his son works for a company with ties to Venezia.
Turkiye kick off without several regulars, while Italy will have only a short turnaround before the federation vote on Tuesday.
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