Mancini's comments come as Italy look to bounce back from a disappointing experience in Saudi Arabia in 2023, a stark contrast to their triumphant EURO 2020 campaign. The team's ticket sales have been sluggish, with only around 40,000 tickets sold, and over 700 visiting fans from Belgium expected.
The Italian coach believes that the team must play well and entertain the fans in order to win them back over. He stated, "The team has to play well and, if possible, entertain the fans. This is the only way to win them back over. It takes time, but we can do it." Mancini's words are a clear indication of his desire to see Italy return to their attacking and entertaining style of football.
Italy will be without suspended defender Alessandro Bastoni, while Federico Dimarco, Marco Palestra, and Bryan Cristante are all injured. Nicolò Zaniolo was tipped to start but has been sent to the stands due to fitness concerns, with Alessandro Romano making his debut as playmaker.
The match against Belgium will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).