Italy held on Mancini debut

Bologna (Italy), Sept. 8: Roberto Mancini believes that only confidence is needed to turn a mediocre Italy into a world class team again after Jorginho rescued a point for the new-look Azzurri in a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Nations League ‘A’ Group 3 opener on Friday.

Jorginho’s penalty 12 minutes from time made amends after the Chelsea midfielder’s blunder had allowed former Napoli teammate Piotr Zielinski’s opener for Poland just before the break in Bologna.

Mancini, 58, was appointed after the fourtime winners’ shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

And after a timid start, key substitutions — including promising Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa — allowed the former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager to save face in his first competitive game in charge.

“I knew it was going to be difficult. They are a team that, at this moment, have more confidence

Jorginho’s penalty 12 minutes from time made amends after the Chelsea midfielder’s blunder had allowed Piotr Zielinski’s opener for Poland just before the break in Bologna.

than us,” said Mancini.

“In the first half we made some technical mistakes, but then in the second half the guys were very good,” he added further.

Mario Balotelli had an uneventful night before being replaced after an hour.