Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini said on Wednesday the Azzurri were still defining themselves under new coach Roberto Mancini as they prepare to take on Zinedine Zidane's France in the Nations League this week.
"Even though we're just starting out, what we're aiming for is an identity. Mancini wants a team that tries to dominate the match. He also tells us to enjoy ourselves," the 22-year-old Atalanta centre-half told a press conference.
Mancini returns as Italy coach three years after leaving the post, and for his first squad the 61-year-old has opted for youth, exemplified by Scalvini.
Mancini led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 but resigned in August 2023, taking over Saudi Arabia's national team weeks later.
Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup this summer after losing in the European playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina in late March.
And in the first match of his second stint, Mancini's Italy fell 2–0 to Belgium in Rome last Friday, before bouncing back 4-1 against Turkey on Monday.
"The win against Turkey gave us confidence that we are a strong team, that we have the ability to play good football and win," said Scalvini, who started in central defence alongside Alessandro Bastoni for that match.
"The senior players really help us younger ones, and that's very important. It shows the true spirit of Italy."
Capped 10 times, Scalvini said he was relishing Friday's match against France in Paris.
Zidane has started his career as France coach with victories against Turkey and Belgium, both 1-0.
"It's a great way to see where we stand," said Scalvini.
"France is a very strong team, one of the best in the world and, especially in attack, they possess quality and speed that surpasses everyone else's.
"We are positive and brave. We are Italy, and we will try to do our best by playing openly and fearlessly.
"Testing ourselves against such a strong team is also a great way to see where we stand."