Mangia hails Azzurrini performance despite defeat

Date: 14th November 2012 at 6:42pm
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Italy Under-21 coach Devis Mangia hailed the performance of his team despite their 3-1 friendly defeat against Spain in Siena on Tuesday.

The encounter between the sides, who have both qualified for next year’s European Championship finals in Israel, was notable for highlighting both the reigning champions’ ruthlessness in front of goal but also the degree to which the hosts might be considered their equal.

Having had their preparations disrupted by injury, the promotion of players to the senior squad, and bad weather limiting training opportunities, Mangia was keen to emphasise the positives and praise his troops’ performance.

“We were certainly close to Spain,” the coach told Rai 2. “I have to say well done to my boys. In the second half they were great, especially in these circumstances.

“Don’t forget we lost several players to injury and the only preparation we had for the game was a 45-minute training session under driving rain yesterday.”

Despite dominating the second half and creating a number of chances, the Azzurrini were punished for defensive lapses with the first two Spanish goals resulting from exploiting attempts to play offside. Although Samuele Longo reduced the deficit with an angled drive midway through the second half and both Manolo Gabbiadini and Mattia de Sciglio came close to an equaliser, Alvaro Vazquez settled the match in injury time.

Following the game Mangia reflected that his young side had proven more than able to compete with the champions and took a degree of confidence from the fact that they did so in a manner reflecting their own footballing heritage.

“I am glad that we proved in Italy we can play a certain style of football too. In the second half especially they were wonderful and towards the end we really frightened a powerhouse of youth football.

“There is time to improve and we will do. Unfortunately my team were punished whenever they made a mistake, as every time Spain scored a goal.”

 

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