Nazionale A

European Qualifiers, Azzurri win again. Mancini: “We dominated in the second half and deserved the win"

After struggling in the first half, Italy came back through Insigne and Verratti to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina: "Not giving up is in our DNA"

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

European Qualifiers, Azzurri win again. Mancini: “We dominated in the second half and deserved the win

There’s a great sense of enthusiasm in the Italy camp following the late win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to make it four wins from four in Euro 2020 qualification. It was by no means easy for the Azzurri considering the technical ability shown by Robert Prosinecki’s side. "Matches are always difficult," said Mancini after the match. "Their technical work was objectively good but we improved and deserved the win. In the second half, we dominated whereas we pressed poorly in the first and took too many risks."

It’s a win that keeps Italy top of Group J on full points: "Italy are always a top class side, there are always tough moments in sport but we’re getting out of them quickly," added Mancini.

Marco Verratti came up with the winning goal four minutes from time and he’s now a leader in midfield for Italy. "In the first half, they put us in difficulty with their pressure but we didn’t let it wear us down. This is a young group, we needed this match. You can be in difficulty but how you react is what matters. We are Italy, we can’t settle and be happy with four wins."

Federico Bernardeschi was on the same page after featuring for 80 minutes. "Going behind didn’t affect us, we kept playing," he said. "That’s the only way you can build something significant."

Lorenzo Insigne’s stunning goal also played its part and it was his second in three days. "Not giving up is in our DNA. To wear this shirt and this number is a big responsibility but I look to be enthusiastic about it."