Italy coach Mancini insists injuries no excuse after Northern Ireland draw | OneFootball

Italy coach Roberto Mancini insists injuries are no excuse after their 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland.

The result forces Italy into the March playoffs for a place in next year's World Cup.

Mancini had some excuses to fall back on in Belfast, because he was missing 11 players, including key figures like Marco Verratti, Giorgio Chiellini, Ciro Immobile, Leonardo Spinazzola, Nicolò Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Davide Calabria.

But the coach said, “I think everyone is dealing with a lot of injuries at this stage of the season, but despite that, we had the wins in hand both against Switzerland and Northern Ireland. We've been in football too long to deny there are moments when it just isn't working. Fortunately, we can still qualify.

“There's no point looking for reasons now why we are in this situation, all we can do is prepare for March."

He added: “I believe we will go to the World Cup, as we have two games to play and will be sure to do it right."