EURO 2020
Mancini still wants more from Italy despite continuing unbeaten run
Italy eased to victory against the Czech Republic in their final outing before Euro 2020, birthday boy Lorenzo Insigne on target.
Roberto Mancini does not think his Italy team are the finished article just yet, despite a 4-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic extending their unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2020.
Italy have not lost an international fixture since a 1-0 Nations League reverse against Portugal back in September 2018, with Friday's emphatic friendly triumph making it 27 consecutive matches without defeat.
Ciro Immobile and Nicolo Barella both benefited from deflections to score in the first half, while birthday boy Lorenzo Insigne celebrated with the third goal before setting up Domenico Berardi soon after.
Mancini was pleased with the performance against "excellent" opponents, though made clear there are areas Italy can improve as they now focus on their tournament opener against Turkey on June 11.
Mancini: "We need to improve from many points of view"
"We played well and faced the match in the right way against an excellent team," Mancini said in his post-match interview with Rai Sport.
"At the beginning it took us a few minutes to get going, but I wanted to see the team play like this, it's my national team. We need to improve from many points of view, I think it can be a good thing.
"We have to play our game. We are an offensive team, we must attack and defend when there is a need to defend. The mentality will be important.
He added: "We need to improve, we are young and there are many points of view where we can do better. However, a friendly match like this is a good sign."
Insigne excelled on the day he turned 30, with his goal seeing him convert when played through by Immobile's clever pass in behind the Czech defence.
Napoli forward Insigne then assisted for Berardi to complete the scoring, Italy winning with ease while keeping an eighth successive clean sheet – a new record for the national team.
Sassuolo's Berardi made it five goals in his last six appearances for Italy.
"I feel the coach's confidence and I try to do my best," Insigne said after the game.
"Mancini has created a great group, a great spirit and has put everyone in a position to express themselves at their best and have fun. We are playing great football."