Key Takeaways:
- Roberto Mancini has identified Giovanni Leoni, Honest Ahanor, and Matteo Palma as promising talents who will develop into great defenders
- Italy and France will meet in the Nations League on Thursday evening, following a 1-1 draw in Paris at the beginning of October
- Leoni continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained on his Liverpool debut over a year ago
Mancini Assesses Italy’s Defensive Landscape
Roberto Mancini has acknowledged that the Italy squad currently lacks the calibre of defenders seen in previous generations, but has highlighted a new wave of young players whom he believes will evolve into elite performers. As the national side prepares to meet France in Nations League action on Thursday evening, Mancini discussed his defensive options and the challenges ahead during an interview with Rai.
Roberto Mancini a Rai Sport: "L’Italia ha avuto i più grandi difensori della storia, difficile raggiungere quei livelli. Dietro Bastoni e Scalvini ce ne sono altri tre o quattro bravi. Palma per me sarà un grande difensore, così come Leoni e Ahanor" https://t.co/oJyy9yj7vb
— Angelo (@Ang_2699) November 12, 2026
Recalling the Recent Italy-France Encounter
This week’s fixture marks the second time in a little over a month that Italy and France have met. Their previous encounter, which took place in Paris at the start of October, concluded with a 1-1 stalemate.
Mancini Comments on Squad Selections and Rising Stars
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Mancini detailed his squad selection strategy, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent in the Italian ranks. Despite conceding that Italy currently lack a figure like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, or Fabio Cannavaro, Mancini underlined his faith in the team’s emerging prospects.
He singled out Liverpool’s Giovanni Leoni, who is still on the road to recovery following a major knee injury sustained during his club debut over a year ago. Crystal Palace’s Honest Ahanor and Parma’s Matteo Palma, both initially called up for the November international window, were also mentioned as notable up-and-comers, although neither made the final matchday squad to face France.
Confidence in the Next Generation
Mancini outlined his optimism for Italy’s defensive future, explaining that a foundation remains with players such as Bastoni and Scalvini, who, despite their youth, have accrued valuable experience. In Mancini’s view, Leoni, Palma, and Ahanor are poised to develop into significant contributors for the national side.
“Italy have had some of the greatest defenders in history, so it’s quite difficult to reach those levels. But, I think we have good defenders and we have to work with them,” said Mancini.
“Behind Bastoni and Scalvini, who are still young but have been playing for some time, there are three or four other good options. Palma will be a great defender for me, as will Leoni, as will Ahanor.”
