Italy coach Roberto Mancini expressed his disappointment at Cristiano Ronaldo's absence for their UEFA Nations League clash against Portugal.
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Ronaldo has not featured for the European champions since the 2018 World Cup in July.
However, his absence had no effect on Portugal, who have recorded three wins and a draw in their four games since the World Cup.
"Cristiano is one of the best players in the world," Mancini told reporters, according to FourFourTwo.
"For sure with him on the pitch it would be a different game because he has unique skills.
"But Portugal have other extraordinary players in the offensive phase. I believe it will be a spectacular game even without Cristiano Ronaldo, though we would have liked to face him.
"I think with him on the pitch it would have been even more spectacular. We are very sorry he is not playing tomorrow [Saturday]."
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