Mancini ahead of Italy’s Belgium decider: ‘We can win it, but it won’t be easy’

Roberto Mancini says it’s a ‘source of pride’ for Italy to be fighting for a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, as they prepare for Sunday’s decider against Belgium in Brussels.

With quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, Mancini spoke to Sky after Italy trained at Appiano Gentile and flew out to the Belgian capital. The game at the King Baudouin Stadium kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 GMT], with Norway’s Espen Eskås refereeing.

Italy top Group A1 on goal difference, level with France on 10 points. A draw will be enough to send them through regardless of France’s game against Turkey, and a win would guarantee top spot. Third-placed Belgium, on nine points, need to win.

“Is it worth only three points, or more? Being here and fighting for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride,” Mancini said. “We’re here and we’re going for it. We can win, even though we know it won’t be easy, because Belgium are a great national team.”

It’s been quite a turnaround for Italy since Mancini’s return in September. That began with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium in Rome, as fans jeered the team. Since then, Italy have beaten Turkey twice, drawn in France, and beaten Zinedine Zidane’s side 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday.

“Since I arrived, I’ve always seen good things,” Mancini said. “I was expecting this and I was positive despite the defeat in the first game. We played well in the second half and maybe even deserved a draw.

“We’ll play our game. I think Belgium are a team with good players, technical and quick. It won’t be much different from the game against France.”