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The Azzurri’s world record 37-match unbeaten run ended with a
semi-final defeat by Spain, but goals from Nicolo Barella and
Domenico Berardi sealed a 2-1 victory in the third-place
playoff.
"They were two great games. Today we changed the players a bit,
but despite that the team played just as well," Mancini told a
news conference.
The manager was quick to look ahead to his side’s next
challenge, a World Cup qualifier against the Swiss in Rome on
Nov. 12, which may well decide who finishes top of Group C and
earns an automatic qualifying spot.
Switzerland, who lost 3-0 to Italy in the group stage of Euro
2020 before drawing 0-0 in last month's qualifier, will move
level on 14 points with Mancini’s side with two games remaining
if they beat Lithuania on Tuesday.
"It will be a difficult match, like it was at the Euros and in
Basel," Mancini said.
"We are playing at home, it will be the game of the year after
the Euros matches. We know that we have to win."
Mancini, who made history by reaching his 30th win as Italy
manager in only 44 matches, opted to use Manuel Locatelli as a
deep-lying playmaker against Belgium, a role usually occupied by
Jorginho, who missed his first Italy game since May.
"When Jorginho is missing we need to have alternatives.
Locatelli has the qualities required to play that role and today
he had a great game," Mancini added.
(Reporting by Alasdair Mackenzie, editing by Ed Osmond)
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