Mancini: We must continue this way, and this was certain for us

Roberto Mancini, the head coach of the Italy national team, expressed his satisfaction with his team's 3-1 victory over Turkey, confirming that he expected a decline in on-field harmony due to making nine changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against France.

Roberto Mancini stated in comments reported by Italian media: "Despite the changes, there was also fatigue, of course. We struggled at the beginning, but the players managed to regain their balance, and then they scored again after the equaliser, so it was a good match, especially as it was our fourth in a very short period."

Italy's coach explained that the significant changes were a natural reason for the decline in harmony, adding: "The only thing that is certain is that we will lose some fluidity, and that was entirely expected. We also had two players on yellow cards, and it seemed that the referee was inclined to show another card to them, so I decided to substitute them."

Mancini spoke about the young player: "Romano can easily perform this role, and he needs to play in such matches to continue his development."

Italy ended a run of four matches in the Nations League over 11 days, having started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Belgium, before winning 4-1 against Turkey in Bursa, drawing 1-1 with France, and concluding the round with a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Bologna.

Italy currently sits second in Group A with 7 points, behind leaders France with 10 points, while Belgium is third with 6 points. Italy will return to play their last two group stage matches in November, hosting France on November 12 before visiting Belgium on the 15th of the same month.

Mancini concluded his remarks by saying: "We need to continue in this way, and it is likely that we will have to fight to secure our position in Belgium."

Mancini also spoke about Alessandro Romano, the Cagliari midfielder, who participated in the match and was sometimes deployed in the advanced midfield position "mezzala" instead of the playmaker role.