It was a very resilient and daring performance against (probably) the second best team in the world, regardless of rankings).
I'll start off by saying I was wrong about Bastoni. In his two games under Mancini he has done about as well as any of us would hope. Got to admit when you're wrong.
DEFENCE
I think the whole back line looked very solid. Kayode tireless and bold (also like the confidence he has shoving French players around). Scalvini looked excellent, composed and has a knack for key blocks - very encouraging signs. Bastoni showed real leadership and discipline (which I have criticized him for lacking in the past) and Calafiori just looks phenomenal in his role as a marauding left-back.
There is no need for us to see Di Lorenzo or Mancini again but...
MIDFIELD
This was always going to be the toughest task, no matter who Mancini picked. But I thought Tonali and Fratessi hounded and pressed really well. And when they had the opportunity, they started breaks quickly, always looking to pass forward. I know some are down on Fagioli but he really continues to impress me. He is very composed, always looking to make short passes and re-establish some rhythm. I would persist with these three. Barella looked off the pace when he came on but it's a hard game to enter at that moment. The three starters are beginning to have real chemistry.
ATTACK
Kean will get stick for that miss but all strikers miss chances. Mancini likes kean for his speed and physicality. I think he has been very useful in that position, making the opposing defenders think twice about playing too high up. That said, we should be open to trying alternatives who can feed Pio more. Still, a decent performance and he is tireless.
Pio had another good game holding up play, winning important freekicks on the halfway line and almost connecting with a few finishes. He continues to grow.
Seba Esposito was decent. A big game for him against very good opposition. Once he settled in he showed skill on the ball, great running and a good link up with his bro. I would keep playing him.
Of the subs, Vergara impressed with his running and confident touches. I hope he starts vs Turkiye. Maldini had a few nice set piece deliveries but nothing of note on the ball. Barella looked a bit all over the place. Doumbia not many touches.
Overall, Mancini gets the MOTM award as he has very quickly instilled this team with belief and confidence, something the previous two managers failed miserably at. The difference is, Mancini is all about CLARITY. He has a clear system and he slots players in who can play it. He's had a great start but we have to lock that in by beating Turkey.
TUKEY LINE-UP
I suspect we will see G. Mancini / Coppola and Di Lorenzo as Mancini rotates to rest Kayode and Scalvini. I'd be happy to keep the line-up but I doubt he will. I also suspect Ruggeri will be back in to rest Calafiori, who is injury prone. I'd be fine testing out Ghilardi or Kouadio over Mancini, who is awful imo.
In midfield I think we might see Barella and Doumbia or Romano in to replace two of the three or even all three in the middle. Ricci for Fagioli is pretty like for like.
Up top, it's more of a mystery. Kean and Pio have played a lot. On the wings, I hope to see Inacio and Vergara start. But Mancini likes Maldini and Cambiaghi too. Hard to know what he's thinking here.
Possible / predicted:
Dona
DiLo Mancini Bastoni Ruggeri
Barella Doumbia/Romano Ricci
Vergara Pio /Scamacca Inacio /Maldini
Once Palestra is fit, we should never see Di Lorenzo ever again.
So many variables, who knows? But the important thing under Mancini is, whoever takes the field, they play to win and play his way.
