NATIONS - Italy: Roberto Mancini fears North Macedonia

After the draw for the play-offs for the qualifiers in the Europe zone counting for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Italy coach Roberto Mancini spoke about the confrontation against North Macedonia, before d 'potentially face Portugal in the final. Squadra coach Azzura admits to fearing the one-match formula, which could come as a nasty surprise for the reigning Italian champions.

“It wasn't a big draw, it could have been a little better. We and Portugal both have to beat North Macedonia and Turkey and since this is a dry game there are always pitfalls. But we are positive. Just as we would have gladly avoided Portugal, they would have avoided us, no doubt. The first game will be at home against North Macedonia, who had a very good qualifying round. Against them, it will be a dry match, and it can happen like with Switzerland, where we deserved to win and we failed to do so. We will have to play a great game and then we will see where we are, ” said the technician.