Italy manager Roberto Mancini has sent West Ham a clear message over Gianluca Scamacca’s lack of game time.
The Italian striker was surprisingly left on the bench by David Moyes as the Hammers chased a winning goal versus Aston Villa.
And his failure to land regular minutes is concerning the ex-Manchester City boss, who is a massive fan of Scamacca and won the Premier League in 2011/12.
West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca should be playing more, according to a league-winning boss.
Mancini told DAZN: “I hope those who are not playing much now be involved more. Scamacca is coming from an injury and doesn’t play much either. The lads can improve only if they play.
“Scamacca, Raspadori, Gnonto, Zaniolo… we don’t have many options… Young players are always important, but it’s up to them. They can get better quickly and become important players.”
Mancini is keen to see West Ham’s No.7 play more as he is viewed as an important part of the Italy national team’s squad.
Scamacca sat looking glum as he again missed out on another Premier League game.
The 24-year-old, who has netted seven goals for West Ham in all competitions, has played in two of the club’s last nine games, both were short substitute appearances.
Michail Antonio netted twice in the Conference League away at AEK Larnaca, but he has been in poor form lately and he’s missed a few big chances. Meanwhile, Danny Ings got a brace against Nottingham Forest but has struggled to impact other games he’s played in.
Scamacca deserves his chance and he could be key to West Ham’s survival, despite his minutes being restricted there has been no fall out with Moyes.
His attitude remains good, according to the manager, but Moyes hit out at his duel success rate. However, these words from the gaffer are concerning given the fact battling against defenders is not his strength unlike Antonio.
Scamacca prefers the ball to feet and relies on technical ability rather than strength and speed like Antonio. It makes you wonder if Moyes had any idea of the profile of striker he spent £30million on!
If West Ham are relegated or the Italian continues to be kept on the bench then he will surely want to leave, which would be a shame given his talent shown in glimpses so far.