Rome: Italy's Roberto Mancini and Belgium's Mark van Bommel said on Thursday they were racing against time to make their mark as both coaches prepare for their first UEFA Nations League meeting as national-team managers.
Speaking ahead of Friday's match at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, both managers highlighted the challenge of preparing international sides with only a few days of training while trying to establish new identities and secure immediate results.
Van Bommel, whose Belgium side assembled only earlier this week, said the short turnaround left little time for detailed preparation.
Despite the challenge, Van Bommel said his team was ready for its Nations League opener and that returning to Italy was special for him.
Italy are also entering a new phase under Mancini, who acknowledged there had been little time to work with his players before facing one of Europe's strongest teams.
"The goal is to try to play well right away," Mancini said.
Italy host Belgium in their Nations League match at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday.
