Belfast Anger and disappointment ripened on the sidelines during a match that saw Italy struggle from start to finish, leaving room for the desire to turn the page and seek redemption in the play-offs. Roberto Mancini does not provide any drama and is confident that the Azzurri will reach the World Cup in Qatar: “It’s a shame because the group should be closed before this match – the coach comments After 0-0 against Northern Ireland Which put the European champions second in Group C – we need to rediscover the spirit that has defined us until today. We need maximum peace of mind between now and March, let’s get the energy back and the players back. I’m sure we’ll go to the World Cup from the qualifiers and maybe we’ll win it.”
Northern Ireland-Italy 0-0: The Azzurri still have to play play-off matches to qualify for the World Cup
By our correspondent Enrico Corro
Berardi: Let’s roll up our sleeves, we want the World Cup
“The first match was against Bulgaria in September, two days into the tournament – continued Mancini – and then there were two missed penalties against Switzerland. We are going through a moment where we find it difficult to score, despite always having the ball. From the match in hand. We had a chance. In the first half, he immediately opened the matches to play more relaxed. They were all late and in these situations we have difficulties.” Domenico Berardi also looks to the future with confidence: “We gave everything, sorry we did not close the group earlier. Now we are rolling up our sleeves, waiting for the qualifiers in March. Football is like this: sometimes luck accompanies you, sometimes less. Pressure .for the World Cup? We want it too, I’m sure we’ll make it.”
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