Italy technical director Claudio Ranieri is focused on developing young players, but insists youth coaches must be paid more and notes that, ‘luckily’, many youngsters are gaining valuable playing time abroad.

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Ranieri spoke to reporters from Rome, just a few hours before Italy’s game against Belgium in the Nations League .

“Mancini is thrilled; he cares about starting well, and he knows it’s important for everyone,” Ranieri said.

The former Roma boss was appointed as Italy’s technical director in July, replacing Paolo Maldini after just two weeks.

“It’s nice because I do a lot of things, there’s so much work to do, and luckily I have many collaborators who can help me,” Ranieri said.

“I don’t scout players, but we have a staff that provides updates on everything and everyone. We are doing great things. You don’t see them. We see the first team, and we hope we can do well tonight.”

Ranieri, however, spoke with some players with dual citizenship, such as Alessandro Romano, who then agreed to represent Italy at a senior level.