Mancini wants Italy players to be more courageous
Italy came from behind to defeat France in the UEFA Nations League, but Roberto Mancini believes his players must still improve their mentality.
The Azzurri defeated Zinedine Zidane's side 3-1, with a goal from Davide Frattesi and brace from Francesco Pio Esposito clinching a vital win.
Sebastiano Esposito also missed a penalty in the victory, but it mattered little as Italy moved top of Group A1 ahead of a huge encounter with Belgium.
Just one point separates Italy and third-place Belgium ahead of their meeting on Monday (AEDT), with France level on points with the Azzurri ahead of hosting Turkiye.
Mancini took pride in Italy's resilience against France, but insisted his players must get used to such situations sooner rather than later.
"I gave what I could give, but the players were the ones who received it quickly, even if we know there is a long road ahead of us," Mancini said.
"After going behind so early, we could've conceded another three or four if we'd let our heads drop, instead we did well to keep calm.
"We've got to improve in our courage; the young players must do things enough times that they become normal.
"It takes time, and I hope the older figures in the team can help the process."
