Roberto Mancini finds Italy's next generation of weapons

Roberto Mancini has emerged from his first international window since returning to the Italy job with more than improved results. The performances of several young players, together with the Under-21 side’s qualification for the European Championship, have expanded his options and suggested that the national team’s renewal is gathering pace.

Italy collected seven points from a possible 12. After losing to Belgium at the start of the sequence, Mancini’s team responded with two controlled victories over Turkey and a draw with France at the Stade de France. Italy now sits second in the group behind the side led by Zinedine Zidane. France will visit San Siro, while Belgium will provide an opportunity for Italy to recover from its opening defeat.

The Under-21 team strengthened that picture by defeating Poland 6-2 to secure its place at the European Championship. Silvio Baldini’s side finished top of its group, scoring 32 goals and conceding seven. Ahanor, Ndour, Koleosho, Bartesaghi, Comuzzo, Liberali, Cissé, Pisilli and Palmisani were among those involved in a campaign marked by technical quality, intensity and physical strength.

Michael Kayode, Issa Doumbia and Alessandro Romano impressed with the senior team, while Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito continued to advance. Several Under-21 players were kept with Baldini to complete the qualification campaign, but Mancini could turn to them in November. The growing competition gives Italy a broader base beyond its established names.