Roberto Mancini reportedly told Italy players to ‘accept and understand’ fans’ boos after a 2-0 loss against Belgium, while La Gazzetta dello Sport singled out four Azzurri veterans for criticism over their performances on Friday.

The Azzurri are licking their wounds after yet another defeat on Friday against Belgium, in Mancini’s first game of his second spell in charge.

Gazzetta reports that, after the game, Mancini tried to convey “optimism”, insisting that the journey, which has just begun, will take the team a long way.

Italy players were booed at half-time and at the end of the match against Belgium, but Mancini told them to accept the supporters’ frustration.

Mancini’s first spell in 2018 began with a home 1-1 draw against Poland, after which the Azzurri were also booed, and a 1-0 loss against Portugal, but after those games they’d go on to remain unbeaten for 37 consecutive games and win the Euros in 2021.

‘Mancini reminded his players of the feelings of a nation of fans exasperated by how little has been achieved in recent years,’ wrote Gazzetta.

‘For this reason, the boos must be accepted and understood, because they stem from a disappointment and from a love that feels betrayed.’

Gazzetta continued examining the defeat against Belgium, specifically blaming four experienced Italian players for their performances.