(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 21 - Italy coach Roberto Mancini on Monday expressed optimism about his side's World Cup prospects and hailed the virtues of his home region Marche as he took part in an event at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday via video link.
    In next month's play-offs, the European champions need to beat North Macedonia first and then the winner of the match between Turkey and Portugal to qualify for Qatar 2022.
    "We want to go to the World Cup in Qatar because it is very important, because we have the chance to experience an extraordinary dream and the chance to win it too," Mancini told the "Bellezza e Sostenibilità" (Beauty and Sustainability) forum held as part of Marche's day at the Italy Pavilion.
    "We'll manage to take Marche to the World Cup and the whole of Italy".
    When asked if the play-offs would have an impact on his experience as Azzurri coach, he replied: "there are moments that are more difficult in life and in work, but I think that the strength of those of us from Marche, and of we Italians, comes out in these moments". He said that he was pleased to be an 'ambassador' for the region as it is "one of the most beautiful, charming places" there is.
    "Obviously, it's much easier to talk about Marche than it is to pick the national team," he said. (ANSA).