Inter Milan attacker Nicolo Barella admits Roberto Mancini's resignation as Italy coach took him by surprise.

However, he holds no grudge against the newly appointed Saudi Arabia coach.

Barella said at his Italy media conference: "We hadn't perceived anything, I always thought about going on the pitch and I always thought about doing the best possible for this national team.

"Mancini believed in me when I was still in Cagliari, I can't help but thank him and the European Championship will bind us forever having also played good football.

"Now a new beginning, with an equally good coach but with different ideas... But I will never allow myself to say who between him and Spalletti is better or less good."