Mancini's call to Italy players: "We've got to improve in our courage"

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has called on his players to show improvement when it comes to courage, despite the impressive victory they secured against France.

The Azzurri beat France 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League thanks to a goal from Davide Frattesi and a brace from Francesco Pio Esposito, sealing a crucial win in the group. Having failed to win any of their previous six meetings with France (two draws, four defeats), Italy beat them at home for the first time since a 2-1 victory in May 1962.

Sebastiano Esposito failed to convert a penalty during the game, but the win took Italy to the top of Group A1 ahead of their crucial match against Belgium. Going into Sunday's group fixtures, just one point separates Italy from third-placed Belgium, while France, who host Türkiye, are level on points with Italy.

Although Mancini said he was pleased with the resilience shown against France, he stressed that his players need to get used to atmospheres of this kind as soon as possible.

Speaking at a press conference, Mancini said: "I gave what I could give, but the players were the ones who received it quickly, even though we know there is a long road ahead. After going behind so early, we could've conceded another three or four if we'd let our heads drop; instead we stayed calm. We've got to improve in our courage; the young players must do things enough times that they become normal. It takes time, and I hope the older figures in the team can help the process."

Meanwhile, Francesco Pio Esposito became the first player since Christian Vieri (eight goals between 1997 and 1998) to score at least eight goals (nine) in his first 14 appearances for Italy.

Mancini indicated that he believes the 21-year-old centre-forward, who has scored four goals in five Nations League appearances this season, can surpass Luigi Riva's record of 35 goals. "We hope he can score many more goals. Gigi Riva had 35 and it's not so far away, so we hope he can get there. We need goals from Pio and everyone else, but he can certainly score many," he said.