Italy manager Roberto Mancini claims his country have "at least four or five" players of England star Jude Bellingham's ilk - but don't give them enough opportunities.
The Azzurri boss, who famously beat Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in final of Euro 2020 and recently condemned them to relegation in the Nations League, has criticised Italian clubs for not allowing young players blessed with 19-year-old Bellingham's ability to play top-level football in their formative years. The English sensation made his debut for boyhood club Birmingham City only 38 days after his 16th birthday and has spent the past three seasons excelling for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham's progression is not only down to his talent and maturity, but also the great opportunities which the gifted midfielder been afforded in England and Germany. Mancini, who'll meet Southgate and Co. again in March as part of qualifying for Euro 2024, recognises that fact and has urged clubs in his native Serie A to be more willing to play Italian hotshots on the biggest stage.
Speaking to Calciomercato, the former Manchester City manager explained: "It's not true that there's lack of talent in Italy, that we don't have a Bellingham. We have many Bellingham's, at least four or five. The difference is that in Germany and England, they let their youngsters play immediately at the highest level. In Italy, we don't."
Mancini remains in charge of the Italian national team, despite failing to qualify for last year's World Cup. His success in winning the European Championship in the summer of 2021 was largely down to putting his faith in young players such as Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.
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As Italy bid to get back on track by pipping England to top spot in Euros qualifying, Mancini is keen to bring more new blood into the Azzurri setup. "We are going to look everywhere for players, even young and unknown ones, in the hope that talent can then be useful," the 58-year-old affirmed.
Jude Bellingham is already an established England international aged 19 (Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)Have your say! Does Roberto Mancini have a point? Join the debate in the comments section.
"There are interesting young people. Lack of courage? We need to consider that the coaches also have to think about the result. In view of England, I hope that the boys are well, that there are no injuries. It will be a difficult match, it always is with Italy and England, at all levels. [ West Ham striker Gianluca] Scamacca is having a good experience, he needs time, he needs it to improve."
The clash in Naples on March 23 promises to be an intriguing one, with England aiming to bounce back from their World Cup heartache. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to eventual-runners-up France in the quarter-finals, as star striker Harry Kane missed a penalty.
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