Without many of their big names, Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri immediately bounced back from their defeat to Spain, beating a Belgium side that has led the FIFA World Ranking for three years. In doing so, they added precious points to their tally for said ranking, which will determine the seeds for the next World Cup, a competition Italy will be aiming to qualify for next month: “The Italy we saw at the Euros was also on display against Spain,” said the Head Coach after today’s game. “However, it’s difficult to play with ten men. All the lads did well. We made a few changes, but the team played well regardless. This is a positive thing.” There were also many good signs from the front trio consisting of Chiesa, Raspadori and Berardi: “Without Immobilie and Belotti – two experienced players who know this team inside out – we had the opportunity to find different solutions. Raspadori played today, and he’s someone with a great future ahead of him. However, it’s important for the team to always play well. Then, in one way or another, the goals will come.”

Boosted by Chiesa’s versatility (“he can play on the right or left and is an important player”), Italy once again showed that they have a squad full of high-quality players: “In midfield, we have many solutions and players with different qualities. They’ve shown they can do well, and this is a positive thing.” Thoughts will now turn to 12 November, when the team will face Switzerland in Rome for a place at the next World Cup: “It’ll be a difficult match, as was the case when we played in Basel and at the Euros,” warned the Head Coach. “We’ll be at home, and it’ll be important to produce a big performance. It’ll be the game of the year after the Euros. We know that we have to win.”

Domenico Berardi continues to impress in the Azzurri shirt. Today, with Jorginho on the bench, he stepped up to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot. In doing so, he returned to the scoresheet for his country after last doing so against the Czech Republic in a friendly on 4 June. After the game, he had the following to say: “We wanted to start well. With eleven men on the pitch, we could have had our say against Spain. We wanted to win today: this was important with our world ranking in mind, so we’re happy.” Berardi’s understanding with Chiesa was evident, with the duo looking to pick each other out in tight areas and with long passes. This was on display at the end of the first half, when the Azzurri No.11 found the Juventus striker with a delightful ball over the top, only for Courtois to keep the score level. “All of us are great players up front. I like to roam around the pitch, which is what the Coach was asking us to do. I did this quite well. Now, we need to prepare as best we can for our game against Switzerland. We know we have to produce a big performance, and I’m sure we will.”

Alessandro Bastoni showed that he had the character to respond to the criticism he received after he struggled to stop Ferran Torres in the semi-final defeat to Spain: “I’m 22 years old and certainly still need to improve a lot,” said the Inter defender. “It’s great to play these kinds of games on this stage in Italy. It meant a lot to all of us, and we’re happy that we won. I experienced a European Championship alongside Chiellini and Bonucci, who are legends in this role. They’re really helping me.”

Bastoni’s partner in defence this afternoon was Francesco Acerbi, who underlined the importance of immediately returning to winning ways after the Spain game: “A defeat can happen after an unbeaten run lasting 37 matches. Today, we wanted to put in a big display in front of our fans. We wanted to bounce back, and we managed to do this. Losses are part of the game and of life. We never want to lose, but it happens sometimes. My teammates are giving their all, they’re young but are doing well. We’re a great group.” The Lazio defender is looking ahead to the next game, with Italy set to go head to head with Switzerland for a place at the World Cup in Qatar: “We’ll be at home and will take to the pitch to win.”