Mancini, the Belgians' executioner, backs Bruges' Tresoldi, 50‑50
Belgian Roberto Mancini, coach of the Squadra, spoke in the large press room of the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, in front of more than 39,000 spectators already holding their tickets. Before kickoff, a minute of silence honored the icons Franco Baresi and Sandro Mazzola, while technical director Claudio Ranieri occupied the front row.
The Italian manager said he wanted to persuade the Brussels-born Nicolo Tresoldi, striker of Club Bruges, who holds dual Italian and German nationality. “I spoke to him, but he told me he can’t decide at the moment,” he affirmed, noting that the decision remains 50‑50.
According to Mancini, Tresoldi gave his word to the German U21 coach for the final phase of the Euro in June. He hopes that, after this tournament, the percentage will tip to 51‑49 in Italy’s favour, joking about the closeness of the choice. The Sports department noted the importance of this decision for the future of the national team.
Tresoldi’s dilemma
Yves Taildeman, special correspondent in Rome and specialist of Anderlecht and the Red Devils, followed the conference. In the front row, Claudio Ranieri shared the stage, recalling his experience within Italian football.
Mancini added that offering beautiful football is the best medicine to get the public behind us. This statement resonated as more than 39,000 tickets had already been sold for the upcoming match.
Head‑to‑hand history
Under his command, the Squadra beat the Red Devils twice, 2‑1 in the Euro 2021 quarter‑final and then 2‑1 for third place in the Nations League. As a player, Mancini recalls eliminating FC Malines in 1989 and beating Anderlecht 2‑0 in the Cup Winners' Cup final in 1990, Anderlecht’s only defeat to him occurring in the inaugural Champions League, 3‑2 thanks to Luc Nilis in the 90th minute.
He had even expressed the desire to coach the Red Devils this summer, agreeing to discuss with president Vincent Mannaert, before refocusing his ambitions on Italy.