City can win Europa League: Mancini

Roberto Mancini has backed Manchester City to challenge for the Europa League title after securing top spot in Group A on Thursday.

Playing away at Serie A side Juventus, City fell behind to a Niccolo Giannetti goal two minutes before half-time at the Stadio Olimpico, but Jo’s equaliser in the 77th minute ensured City will be amongst the seeds for the round of 32.

With a favourable outcome in Friday’s draw, Mancini believes his side have what it takes to win the competition.

“I am very happy, because we wanted this, and it was very important to finish top of the group,” Mancini said.

“We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a good draw for the next round, and after that we will see.”

“Juventus have a good team, and we started very well. It was strange to concede the goal, but we played well, and for me this is important. I did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team.”

“Our players showed good character, and we hope to carry on like this. But in the end I think we deserved a draw, minimum.”

With Juventus out of the competition after drawing all six of their matches, coach Luigi del Neri pinpointed the squad’s slow start as the reason for their early exit.

“Clearly there are some regrets, but we paid the price in our Europa League season for the many new faces in the team at the start,” Del Neri said.

“I chose youngsters tonight and saw the right spirit. We honoured the encounter and deserved something more.”

“At the end Manchester City scored that rather strange goal, but I can say we held out well against a motivated side that came here to get a positive result.”

“We leave the competition with heart and dignity.”