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Roberto Mancini has admitted disappointment at Italy's 2-1 loss to England in Naples but urged his side to keep their heads up, arguing they deserved a draw on the night.

Goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane ensured Gareth Southgate's side saw their Euro 2024 campaign start in perfect fashion against the reigning champions in Naples. Kane's strike, his 54th in total for his country, saw him become England's record ever goalscorer, passing Wayne Rooney. 

On a night which promised a fiery and hostile atmosphere for the England players, they did a brilliant job in reducing the noise surrounding the game and the occasion, professionally swatting aside an Italy side that had the potential to cause problems.

With his job seemingly under mounting pressure amid a failure to qualify for last year's World Cup and a poor start to the forthcoming tournament's qualification campaign, Mancini defended his team - saying they deserved something from the game.

'We knew it was a difficult game, but we conceded two goals from two corners. The first half was tougher, obviously, we dominated the second half and tried to get at least a draw, which I think wiould’ve been fair,' he told RAI Sport.