Italy national team manager: we are going through a difficult period, and what the Juventus fans did is regrettable
Scathing criticism of the Bianconeri fans
Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali has warned that the Azzurri are heading into a "difficult phase" with the return of Roberto Mancini to the national team's helm, at a time when Italy are preparing to face Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
The Azzurri have begun their first training camp under Mancini. Friday's game against Belgium will be his first, before an away trip to Turkey on 28 September and then France on 2 October.
Oriali is back alongside Mancini after their previous spell together, which they crowned with the Euro 2020 title.
Football Italia reported Oriali's comments to Rai 2: "It's certainly not the best moment for Italian football, we know we are heading towards a difficult phase."
He added: "The players need to be aware of that too. What matters is that everyone understands the moment, shares it, takes collective responsibility, along with respect and a bit of discipline, none of which ever hurts."
He continued: "By finding this team spirit, this collective cohesion, we can achieve results."
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Oriali condemns Juventus supporters
Oriali also rounded on the Juventus Ultras who turned their backs on the pitch during a minute's silence for Italy and Inter Milan legend Sandro Mazzola.
The former Inter player said: "I remember the first training sessions at the Pinetina, Mazzola was one of those who welcomed me with open arms."
He added: "He took me home one day after training, people couldn't believe it when they saw him. I only have lovely memories of him as a team-mate and as a man, without forgetting that he was also a great director who brought Ronaldo to Serie A."
His condemnation was blunt: "The Ultras turning their backs was an ugly image. I hope these people are identified and removed from the stadium, it's a disgrace. There are heroes who transcend the shirts they wear, and this was just an unfortunate act."
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