Italy coach Roberto Mancini discussed the Coronavirus emergency, it’s effect on Italy and the postponement of the upcoming European Championship in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

First, he discussed the fact that many Italians are talking or singing from their balconies during the lockdown.

“Very much. It’s the most authentic Italy. It represents us. We are the ones who give the best in the difficulties, when we hold each other, help each other and put all our humanity into play. These people, after so much pain and so much fear, would have deserved the joy of a European Championship to distract themselves and escape again.”

He touched on whether he would move his loved ones to a safer place oversees, if he had the chance.

“I don’t even think about leaving Italy, because I feel safe here and have full confidence in our doctors who are doing a heroic job. I want to feel close to those who are in trouble. And I say this as a simple citizen, not because I have an institutional role and represent Italy.”

The former Inter coach discussed how he keeps in contact with his squad.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve called a few players, especially the injured and doubtful ones. I’ve been working on the friendly matches with England and Germany and I’ve started to set up the European Championship system. Everything was cancelled. I confess I felt disappointment. I stopped.”

He discussed whether condensing the final third of the season in the summer would still be a legitimate way of finishing the season.

“After what happened, the players will be so eager to play that enthusiasm will compensate for fatigue. I’m convinced we’ll be back to having fun again.”

Mancini then spoke about the title race between Juventus and Lazio, as well as Inter.

“Juve are the favorites, but it is an open fight. Lazio are in the running, but I also say Inter. Precisely because the situation will be exceptional, a new planet, it’s impossible to make scientific forecasts. There could be surprises. The important thing, however, would be to start again, because it would mean having recovered our normality. That’s why I’d wait until the last minute before cancelling the Tokyo Games. The Olympics is too important. It’s too good. It would be the celebration of the world that has left fear behind.”

The former Manchester City coach spoke about the idea of cutting players’ salaries for the period that they cannot work.

“No use making decisions now. Let’s wait. I’ve said it, I think positive, I’m sure the league will restart and be completed. Then, if all the games are played, the problem will have less weight. The players still have the sense of responsibility to respond in the right way to any needs.”

He discussed what he thinks about when he imagines the return of the national team.

“The national anthem and me listening to it standing in front of the bench. After what we’re going through, it’s going to be a wonderful, powerful emotion. I’m already waiting for you.”

Finally, Mancini gave a locker room talk to all of Italy.

“Let’s continue to play like this, as a team, with generosity. Let’s respect the rules, let’s stay at home. And we’ll come out of this game better than we came in.”

The post Italy Coach Roberto Mancini: “Juve Are The Favourites, Lazio In The Running But Inter Are Also There” appeared first on Sempreinter.

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