Mancini Aims To Remain Unbeaten

MILAN: Roberto Mancini said yesterday he wants Italy to maintain their unbeaten record until next year’s World Cup as he prepares the team for the Nations League semi-finals against Spain.

Tomorrow’s early morning clash at the San Siro will be the biggest test of Italy’s 37 -match unbeaten record since they won Euro 2020 last summer.

Spain coach Luis Enrique said after announcing his line -up that every match brings Italy “getting closer to defeat” but Mancini hopes his side can last until the Qatar World Cup and beyond.

“We are now 37 games unbeaten but we want to keep it going for a long time. It’s up to us and how we play in the next game. We know we’re a good team but have to keep working hard to win,” Mancini said.

“It’s true Luis Enrique said, eventually (defeat) will happen, it’s about a mathematical question. We hope to be able to continue until December 2022, but I don’t think it’s going to be anything easy.”

The opening match of the last four to be held in Milan and Turin is a repeat of the semi -final between Italy and Spain at the Euros which saw the Azzurri win on penalties.