Mancini without Immobile
CIRO IMMOBILE will miss Italy’s decisive Nations League clash with Hungary after
Lazio president Claudio Lotito blocked his return to action for the Azzurri.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini had talked up the striker’s chances of making the trip to Hungary, even though he was ruled out of Friday’s win over England.
But it seems Lazio do not want to risk their star forward, who has netted five goals in nine games for the Italian side so far this season.
Having missed out on qualification for the World Cup, European Champions Italy can still make the semifinals of the Nations League if they beat Hungary tonight.
But Hungary, managed by Italian Marco Rossi, are in no mood to relinquish top spot.
Avoid
Rossi, whose side only need to avoid defeat to make the semi-finals, said: “The merit is due to the commitment of the boys. Regardless of how the match ends, the great result is to have kept Hungary in League A.”
Meanwhile, Mancini praised his inexperienced team for the character they showed in a 1-0 win over England.
In a game of few chances at the San
Siro, Italy looked more ambitious and settled the game through Giacomo Raspadori’s 68th-minute strike.
“It is very important, as it gives us a sense of calm to be top seeds for the draw, we also have the chance to top the group and (we) beat England, one of the best teams in the world,” Mancini said.
“The system is one thing, but what matters is the character of a squad, the desire to attack and take control.
“We still have a lack of experience in the side and some very young lads, but we played well today.”