Roberto Mancini Set to Name Expanded Italy Squad for Nations League
Roberto Mancini is set to name an enlarged Italy squad of up to 35 players for a four-match Nations League spell in just 11 days, with several uncapped names in contention as he begins his second stint as Azzurri coach.
The returning manager, first appointed in May 2018, is expected to use the expanded group to manage a punishing September schedule and protect Italy’s chances of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals.
New faces and possible recalls
- Uncapped players Romano, Zoma and Samuel Inacio are in line for potential first senior selections.
- Doumbia and Ahanor are also being considered for places in the group.
- Bologna goalkeeper Pessina could join Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi and Guglielmo Vicario among the keepers.
- Romano’s recent displays have strengthened his case, particularly with Italy short of central-midfield alternatives.
- Germany-based forward Zoma is being assessed as Mancini looks to add more width in attack.
- Federico Bernardeschi, part of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad, and Rolando Mandragora could earn unexpected returns.
Nicolò Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Bryan Cristante and Alessandro Bastoni are expected to remain key figures from the Euro 2020 core. But Mancini will be without Federico Chiesa, Nicolò Zaniolo, Manuel Locatelli and Alessandro Buongiorno because of injury.
Mateo Retegui is currently on holiday in Argentina, although a late call remains possible if the squad requires him.
Under-21 players stay put
Mancini has opted against a wholesale youth-driven reshuffle, with Cher Ndour, Niccolò Pisilli and Luca Koleosho due to remain with Bernardo Baldini’s Italy Under-21 side for important European Championship qualifying matches.
What happens next
- Italy open the international window against Belgium in Rome on 25 September.
- The Azzurri then travel to face Turkey.
- A trip to France follows.
- Italy complete the run by hosting Turkey in Bologna.
Rotation will be central to Mancini’s plans as Italy chase a top-two finish in Nations League Group A. The results will also affect their seeding for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw in Belfast.
