Roberto Mancini’s fifteenth win in 22 games in charge of Italy proved that bodies can be changed while still playing the same style of football. Italy had fun and entertained, scoring six in Florence against Moldova. It’s a net win that is important for the FIFA Ranking, which has implications for the draw for World Cup 2022 qualification. “A lot of good things were on show,” said coach Roberto Mancini, “we had a few problems in the first 15 minutes but that’s normal when you make a lot of changes. The team did really well after that. They had the right mentality even after changing things around and this is a great thing.” Mancini also talked about individuals: “Berardi, Caputo and Locatelli played brilliantly.” To the question whether Caputo might shake up the hierarchy, he had this to say: “He moves well and scores goals. We already have three good players up front so it all comes down to him.”

Stephan El Shaarawy had a big smile on his face, and why wouldn’t he? He scored a brace as he wore the captain’s armband for the very first time: “being named captain was amazing, a real reward. It was a special evening. It shows you need to be patient and make sure you’re ready when you get a chance.”

Ciccio Caputo celebrated his debut in the best way possible; he scored his first Italy goal and put in a great all-round performance. It was a moment of great satisfaction for a player, who has had to wait his turn, playing for the National Team for the first time at 33 years of age, making him the second-oldest debutant after Emiliano Moretti. “My dream became a reality today. Scoring on my Italy debut after such a long wait is amazing. Now I need to try to continue on this road.”

Giacomo Bonaventura had a brilliant game in the heart of midfield, directing play and forcing the own goal in his new home ground. “We managed to do everything that we had prepared. We won by putting in a great performance. Italy have a lot of quality in midfield.” Domenico Berardi scored his first goal for the Azzurri: “we played really well. I’m happy with the goal. It was important to win for the ranking, we were great. Playing in the Euros is a dream, I hope to make it and I know that a call-up depends on my performances for Sassuolo.”