3 years ago, Italy did not have the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, no one thought that 3 years later, Italy has become a favorite to win the European Championship. In the final penalty shootout, Spain advanced to the final, and everyone gave the new Italian team a high score, which was inseparable from Mancini's transformation of the team.
Mancini dared to use young people and also dared to promote happy football in the team. When announcing the European Cup squad, italy was in a different format than any other team – the squad list was revealed on a variety show, coaches and players played entertainment games on screens, cabaret shows... The serious and formal press conferences with other teams are not a "painting style" at all.
In addition, the team also provided more fun "material" to the outside world: life records filmed privately, songs released by the team... Mancini sang "OLE, OLE!" with the players after winning the penalty.
Mancini according to IC photo
The emphasis on young people and the preference for attacking football may be found in Mancini's playing career.
Mancini rose to fame at a young age, making his Serie A debut at the age of 16 and playing for the Italian national team at the age of 20. But it was those youthful and crazy days that became a stain on Mancini's career.
At the age of 20, he was called up by the national team
The temptation to resist was tragically banned
In 1984, at the age of 20, Mancini was called up by then-national team coach Berzott to accompany the team to a tour of the United States. In fact, at that time, Bealzot had always admired Mancini, having recruited him into the 40-man squad long before the 1982 World Cup, and in his mind, Mancini was also a key target for the 1986 World Cup. But it was precisely this trip to the United States that became a turning point in the fate of the Mancini national team.
On the last night of his trip to the United States, the young Mancini could not resist the temptation of the night shows of the city that never sleeps for young people, and went with a few teammates to feel the atmosphere of the American dance hall. "Gentile and Tardelli went together to a cabaret called 'Studio 54' and later to some of the more popular nightclubs in the area. I was only 20 years old at the time, and the first time I came to the United States, we were going back to Italy the next day, so I thought that playing in the city center like this would not have any impact. But Berzott didn't allow that, and he probably wanted young people like me to follow the basic rules. Later, I was the last to come back, and the next day Berzott said to me, 'You have closed the door of the national team during my tenure'. ”
This was also the case later, and during the subsequent term of Office of Berzott, he never called up Mancini again...
From getting meningitis to getting COVID-19
Sports can bring everyone the first touch
Today, Mancini, who is already a handsome man, has faded that childishness and restlessness, and he is grateful for all kinds of things that life has given him, "I am not an extreme person, and I am also grateful for the scientific and technological progress of human society, especially the progress of medicine." When I was a kid, I seemed to be about 10 years old, and I had meningitis for some reason. With the medical means at that time, it could not be 100% cured, but I was fine. ”
Mancini further said, "Later, people around me kept repeating to me: 'You are a lucky person, and good luck will accompany you for the rest of your life.'" If so, I am indeed a person who is blessed with good luck: a good parent, a happy family, three excellent children, able to do what I love to do... What do you want? ”
At the end of last year, Mancini was unfortunately infected with the new crown, and on the international match day in November, Mancini was unable to command the team because of the new crown infection, during which the Three games of the Italian national team were temporarily led by assistant coach Evani. After recovering, Mancini wrote his feelings as Italy's charge to the European Championships, "Sport has become an essential part of our lives, it can help us feel better, let us temporarily stay away from some bad thoughts, let us empty our minds, or help us get rid of some complicated moments." Exercise can bring us many positive emotions. We have never had such a desperate need for sports under the pandemic. We will respect every minute and we will carry the kind of lighthearted pleasure that we just started playing as a child! ”
Both generations of players, The Chiesa father and son, have a new look under Mancini According to IC photo
It is worth mentioning that Chiesa Jr., who opened the record for Italy today, has an indissoluble relationship. His father, Enrico, was activated in the team mancini coached. Like montella later, the elder Chieza grew up with the help of Mancini. While at Fiorentina, Mancini was his coach before moving to Lazio, where Mancini gave him full trust in the new team. It was Mancini who brought him to the national team to make his debut and returned to the manager in key games. Both father and son generations of players have been renewed under Mancini, which is also a good story in football.
After defeating Spain in a penalty shootout, Mancini excitedly sang and danced with the players. The young Italian team he leads is already the biggest favourite to win the European Championship.
Red Star News reporter Hu Minjuan
Edited by Ou Peng
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