Roberto Mancini felt the referee could’ve avoided Domenico Criscito’s red card, but acknowledged the “naïve” 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Simone Zaza had only just given Italy the lead in Turin when Criscito was shown a straight red card for a mistimed tackle on Ryan Babel.
“It was a friendly, I don’t know if that was really a red card,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
Roberto Mancini felt the referee could’ve avoided Domenico Criscito’s red card, but acknowledged the “naïve” 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Simone Zaza had only just given Italy the lead in Turin when Criscito was shown a straight red card for a mistimed tackle on Ryan Babel.
“It was a friendly, I don’t know if that was really a red card,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“It was nonetheless an enormously naïve error. Playing down to 10 men for 20 minutes was tough, as we were already feeling tired.”
This was the third game of Mancini’s Azzurri era after a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia and 3-1 defeat to France.
“It’s difficult after 10 days to develop really complex tactical situations, but we saw some good things against France and again today.
“We have to get them playing and gaining experience, otherwise they never will play, so that’s what the friendlies are for.
“It was important that the lads put the effort in, which wasn’t easy after a long and tiring campaign. They did that, they’ve got the right mentality and now we go towards August with optimism. We’re glad the fans have so much enthusiasm for a young side.”