Mancini wants patience as Italy's new era falters
Roberto Mancini believes patience will be needed at the start of his second stint with Italy after its defeat to Belgium in its UEFA Nations League opener.
Macini's return to the Azzurri dugout did not go to plan, with goals in either half from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio sealing the win for Mark van Bommel's side.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made six saves to try and inspire a comeback for Italy, but Senne Lammens also made six stops at the other end to ensure Belgium emerged victorious.
After the defeat, Mancini conceded that his team fell below expectations at Stadio Olimpico, with a trip to Matli Stadyumu Ataturk Spor Kompleksi to face Turkiye up next.
Mancini's main request was to allow his Italy team time as it begins a new era, but he said the congested UEFA Nations League schedule was difficult for his players to navigate.
"I expect the team can put in a good performance against Turkiye, improving the pressing and the aggression," Mancini said.
"In these days we haven't had time to prepare anything new, so I'm not expecting any great novelties.
"Above all, we need time to work to get to know each other and to build a team that can be competitive. We don't need anything else."
Mancini's comments were echoed by Sandro Tonali, who was a part of the team that failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
It is a new-look Azzurri side, with the likes of Michael Kayode, Alessandro Romano, Issa Doumbia, Alessandro Vergara and Mohamed Ali Zom called up for the first time.
"The important thing now is to react, and we can do that within a few days. The group is very healthy, with a lot of young players," Tonali said.
"Having everything immediately is difficult, we don't have the star player. Time is there, we have to spend time together, work and enjoy ourselves together.
"We are healthy, strong men. With time our qualities will come out."
After its clash with Turkiye, Italy faces France next weekend before concluding the international break with a home game against Vincenzo Montella's side.
Because of the quick turnaround, Mancini revealed there would be several changes to the team that was beaten by Belgium.
"I think we have to stay calm and not get agitated in the way that is happening," Mancini added.
"We played against a strong side in Belgium, who did cause us difficulty, but then the team reacted well.
"Matches are made of episodes, the game could have changed, even if Belgium deserved to win in the end. In terms of personnel, we will definitely change.
"It is impossible to have one player available for four games this close together. We can also assess other players in matches this important."
