Mancini Set to Hand Italy’s Uncapped Prospects Nations League Chance
Roberto Mancini is expected to reshape Italy’s senior group with an expanded 30-player squad for a demanding UEFA Nations League window, opening the door for several uncapped prospects to enter the Azzurri set-up.
Italy face Belgium, Turkey and France across four fixtures between 25 September and 5 October. With limited recovery time between matches, Mancini is considering new options across the pitch as he manages rotation and looks ahead to the national team’s next cycle.
New faces in contention
Nicolo Tresoldi is among the most notable players in line for a first senior call-up. The Club Brugge forward, who was born in Treviso, has chosen Italy after previously appearing for Germany at under-21 level.
Attacking player Alphadjo Cisse and Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia are also being considered. Their potential inclusion would underline Italy’s push to secure eligible dual-national players before other international options become available.
- Brentford right-back Michael Kayode is a possible new selection.
- Como creator Mattia Liberali and Napoli midfielder Antonio Vergara are in the running.
- Roma Primavera defender Emanuele Lulli and Alessandro Romano, currently on loan from Cagliari, could also be included.
- Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni has a chance despite continuing his recovery from injury.
- Aston Villa left-back Matteo Ruggeri remains under consideration.
- Goalkeepers Marco Carnesecchi and Elia Caprile are among the uncapped candidates for places.
Nations League schedule
- Italy begin their campaign at home to Belgium on 25 September.
- The Azzurri then travel to face Turkey.
- An away meeting with France follows.
- The four-match sequence concludes with Turkey visiting Italy on 5 October.
Mancini has travelled widely in Europe while assessing possible additions, and the forthcoming selection could mark a significant step in integrating younger players into the full international squad. The congested Nations League programme would provide opportunities for any newcomers to make their competitive debuts.
