Disappointment for the result and for a 'wrong' first half, but for the Italy coach, Roberto Mancini, the national team must find confidence in the play shown in the second half against England.
"We knew the match was difficult and in the first half we conceded two goals from two corners. But then in the second half we dominated and we should have tried to at least equalize. We're sorry but the road is long," commented
the suffered a 2-1 defeat in Naples
in the first match of the qualifiers for next year's European Championships.
Mancini underlined that "we started pressing better in the second half, which we didn't do well in the first half. The second half saw a great national team and this bodes well".
Mancini also comments on Retegui's debut in the blue shirt with the goal: "He spent three days with us - he said - and he needs to get to know his teammates and Italian football. Tonight he had a bit of difficulty because the English defenders are physically strong and have limited him. He still needs some time to fit in."
ANSA Agency
Who is Mateo Retegui, from Boca to goals in Naples in the sign of Maradona - Sport
Punta Argentina, the debut in Italy with the goal in the knockout with England (ANSA)
At the end of the game, Retegui spoke in Argentine: "I'm very happy - he said - to have made my debut with this blue shirt, it's a pride for me and for my whole family and it was what I wanted. I'm sorry for the defeat. My team-mates welcomed me with great affection, now we need to work, get to know each other. I'm happy with the goal, but what matters is the team's result."
ANSA. it
EURO 2024 Italy-England 1-2 uphill start - Photo
"It was a difficult game, then we conceded from two corners, but we dominated in the second half. We deserved a draw."
The coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini said it (ANSA)
Kane, the new historic top scorer of the English national team, also spoke about his goal at the end of the match, with 54 goals: "It's special to have broken the record in such an important match, it would be a source of pride regardless, but it's even better in this match in we beat Italy away for the first time in many years - said the captain - I don't know where I'll end up, I'm 29 years old I feel physically strong, I'm at the best moment of my career, it's the best feeling and I want to play for a long time in the national".