Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali isn’t pulling any punches, flat out warning that the national squad is heading into ‘a difficult spell’ with Roberto Mancini back at the helm. Oriali, who also returns to the Italy staff, says it is “certainly not the best moment for Italian football,” and the players need to recognize that truth right now. It’s a stark message, coming as the Azzurri gather at Coverciano camp to kick off training for a crucial run of Nations League games.
Oriali’s Blunt Truth About Italy’s ‘Difficult Spell’
Oriali laid it all out for Rai 2, emphasizing that everyone involved needs to “understand the moment, share it, have collective responsibility, respect and a little discipline, all of which never hurts.” For him, it’s about finding that core team spirit and group togetherness. He believes that’s the only way they can actually start achieving results on the pitch. The immediate challenge? A showdown against Belgium on Friday, followed by a visit to Turkiye on September 28, and then France on October 2. They’ll face Vincenzo Montella’s Turkish side again on October 5, before wrapping up the group against France on November 12 and Belgium on November 15. The call for unity couldn’t be clearer, or more urgent, as they prepare for a packed schedule.
Juventus Ultras’ ‘Deplorable Gesture’ Has Oriali Fuming
But that “togetherness” Oriali is talking about? Yeah, Italian football isn’t exactly excelling at it right now. Oriali made that crystal clear when he ripped into the Juventus ultras for a “shameful” display of disrespect. These so-called fans reportedly turned their backs on the pitch during a minute’s silence for Italy and Inter legend Sandro Mazzola. Oriali, a former Inter player himself, shared personal, fond memories of Mazzola, who he said welcomed him with open arms and even gave him a lift home once. He praised Mazzola not just as a teammate and person, but also as a “great director who brought Ronaldo to Serie A.” Oriali didn’t mince words about the ultras, calling it an “ugly image” and hoping “these people can be identified and left out of the stadium.” For him, it was “just a deplorable gesture” because “there are champions who go beyond the jerseys they wear.”
Italy’s quest for that crucial team spirit kicks off with Belgium on Friday, followed by Turkiye, and France. Can Mancini and Oriali rally the troops and find the unity needed to navigate this ‘difficult spell’? We’ll be watching every kick to see if they can truly turn things around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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