Roberto Mancini is glad Italy ‘played as a team’ throughout in their 1-1 draw with France, seeing it as ‘another step forward in our journey.’

The Azzurri were called to confirm whether they were the team seen in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, or the one that emerged with a 4-1 victory in Turkiye .

The answer after this 1-1 draw in Paris was certainly more confidence-boosting, as they had numerous good chances to score, and although Gianluigi Donnarumma needed some big saves, they emerged unbeaten from the Stade de France.

“We knew it would be a very difficult match, especially at the start, but we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession,” Mancini told RAI Sport.

Alessandro Bastoni scored for the second game in a row, his first appearances since the World Cup play-off in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cancelling out the Michael Olise deflected free kick.

“We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and so it is certainly a very positive evening for us,” added Mancini.

“I wanted this to be another step forward in our journey. I liked that we tried to play football, despite being against an extraordinary France side full of champions.

“At times we suffered, but always tried to score goals whenever we had the chance, so that’s very good.”