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Italy coach Mancini explains Chiellini benching: I didn't have my specs on!

Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits he messed up after starting their Nations League qualifer against Bosnia with Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini on the bench.

After the 1-1 draw, Mancini revealed he didn't realise that Lazio stopper Francesco Acerbi had been listed instead of Chiellini when he was shown the team-sheet prior to the game.

The 55-year-old admitted that Chiellini will now start Monday's game away to the Netherlands instead.

He explained: "It was my fault.

"They showed me the line-up, I didn't have my glasses on and just said it was fine. I didn't notice Acerbi was there rather than Chiellini.

"Anyway, we had planned originally for Acerbi to play one game and Chiellini another. I had asked Giorgio if he wanted to play today or on Monday with Holland, he said today, but we'll have to swap it now.

"It's not like we chose a goalkeeper rather than a defender, it's not a massive difference, but yes, it was an error."

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Carlos Volcano
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Carlos Volcano

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