Mancini recalls nine uncapped players in 34-man Italy Nations League squad
Roberto Mancini has named a 34-man Italy squad for the Nations League, bringing nine uncapped players into his first selection since returning as Azzurri coach.
Key takeaways
- Italy begin the new Mancini spell against Belgium in Rome on Friday, September 25.
- Nine players have received their first senior international invitations.
- Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolò Zaniolo return after last playing for Italy in October 2024.
- Rolando Mandragora is back in the group for the first time since March 2021.
- Injured Chelsea defender Marco Palestra has not been selected.
Nine newcomers as Mancini reshapes his group
Mancini, back in charge from late July on a deal running until 2030, has used the September-October window to widen Italy’s options ahead of four demanding fixtures in two weeks.
Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, Roma centre-back Daniele Ghilardi and Brentford full-back Michael Kayode are among the first-time call-ups. Monza defender Eddy Kouadio, Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano and Sporting CP prospect Issa Doumbia also enter the senior set-up.
The new attacking choices are Sassuolo forward Sebastiano Esposito, Napoli attacker Antonio Vergara and Nurnberg striker Mohamed Ali Zoma.
Crystal Palace defender Honest Ahanor and Borussia Dortmund forward Samuele Inacio retain their places after featuring in Italy’s recent friendly matches.
Belgium opener followed by Türkiye double-header
Fiorentina midfielder Fagioli and Udinese attacker Zaniolo have been restored after nearly two years away from the national team. Torino’s Mandragora is the longer-term absentee to return, having not played for Italy since March 2021.
Palestra misses out while he continues to recover from an injury that has kept him without a club appearance this season.
The players report to Coverciano for their opening training session on Monday, September 21. Italy then host Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico before travelling to face Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye on September 28.
The schedule continues with an away match against Zinedine Zidane’s France on Friday, October 2. Mancini’s side complete the window on October 5, when Türkiye visit the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna.
