Argentina are favorites to win their third World Cup, according to Roberto Mancini, as Lionel Messi and his teammates compete in Qatar.
Mancini’s Italy will not compete after a 1-0 play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March.
Italy’s omission from Qatar comes despite the fact that they are the reigning European champions, having defeated England in the Euro 2020 final on penalties.
Following that triumph, they faced Argentina in the UEFA/CONMEBOL Finalissima at Wembley in June, after Lionel Scaloni’s men won the Copa America.
Argentina easily defeated Italy 3-0, and Mancini credits that performance for his selection of Argentina as World Cup favorites.
Mançini’s statement
“There are many strong teams,” Mancini told reporters.
“If I had to choose one, I’d go for Argentina.”They really impressed when we played each other.”
Italy has won their last three matches in an attempt to overcome World Cup heartbreak, most recently defeating Albania 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.
On Sunday, they will play another game against Austria.
Mancini is still disappointed by his team’s failure to reach Qatar, but he is satisfied with their attitude.
“We immediately showed a desire to fight back, winning a Nations League group that was by no means easy ahead of Germany, Hungary and England.
“Unfortunately, we’ll have to keep this suffering until mid-December when the tournament is over. Next time, we need to be more precise,” he said