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Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Mar 23, 2023 at 7.45pm UK

Italy
1 - 2
England

Retegui (56')
Di Lorenzo (53'), Jorginho (61'), Acerbi (90+2')

FT(HT: 0-2)

Rice (13'), Kane (44' pen.)
Rice (29'), Maguire (57'), Walker (71'), Shaw (78')

Roberto Mancini: 'Italy deserved a draw against England'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 23 March 2023

Italy manager Roberto Mancini believes a draw against England would have been a fair result, despite their 2-1 home loss in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday.

Italy manager Roberto Mancini believes that a draw against England would have been a fair result, despite losing 2-1 on home soil in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday.

The Azzurri were second best in the first half and fell two goals behind courtesy of strikes from Declan Rice and Harry Kane, the latter scoring from the penalty spot to become England's all-time record goalscorer.

However, Italy responded well after the break and pulled one back through debutant Mateo Retegui in the 56th minute, and the momentum was with the hosts heading into the final half-hour at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Euro 2020 holders piled on the pressure and continued to push England further back into their own half, and despite the 80th-minute dismissal of Luke Shaw – who received two yellow cards within 54 seconds – the Three Lions held on to claim their first win on Italian soil since 1961.

The Azzurri's impressive 40-game unbeaten run in European Championship qualifiers, dating back to 1999, has now come to an end, although Mancini felt that his side's second-half showing should have been rewarded with a point against England.

Italy players look dejected after Harry Kane scores for England on March 22, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking to RAI Sport, via Football Italia, after the match, Mancini said: "We knew it was a difficult game, but we conceded two goals from two corners.

"The first half was tougher, obviously, we dominated the second half and tried to get at least a draw, which I think would've been fair. It's disappointing, but there's a long road ahead.

The former Manchester City boss added: "We had started well with a high press, which we didn't do for the rest of the first half. I saw a great Nazionale in the second half and that bodes well for the future.

"England are dangerous on set plays, we allowed the first I think due to a distraction, then the penalty was also from a corner. I think we deserve to score at least another goal after the break.

"We might be starting with an uphill struggle this time, but hope to end it smoother."

Italy's Mateo Retegui celebrates scoring their first goal on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

One positive to take from the defeat was the debut goal for Tigre striker Retegui, who was born and raised in Argentina but decided to switch allegiances to represent the Azzurri.

"He had difficulties in the first half, as the England defenders are physically strong and limited him," Mancini told reporters. "He moved better after the break, but he is young, he plays his football in Argentina, so he needs time."

Retegui, 23, expressed his pride after netting his first international goal, adding: "I feel so proud for me and my family to wear these colours. I would have liked to debut with a victory, but we must work to correct our errors and win the next match.

"Lorenzo Pellegrini gave me a great assist, I am pleased to have scored and that will boost my confidence. I wanted to win, that is the most important thing. I am sad for the defeat, but very happy to make my debut with this jersey representing Italy."

Italy will look to return to winning ways when they travel to the Ta' Qali National Stadium to face European minnows Malta in their second Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday.