Roberto Mancini has announced the first call-up list for his second mandate as the coach of the Italian national team. The announcement comes on the cusp of Italy's upcoming matches in the Nations League, where the Azzurri are set to face Belgium, Turkey, and France. The list, featuring 34 players, showcases a mix of experience and fresh faces, reflecting Mancini's approach of maintaining continuity while integrating new talent.

New Faces and Notable Returns

The squad includes nine new players receiving their first call-up, marking a significant refresh for the national team. Among them are Michael Kayode from Brentford, Alessandro Romano from Cagliari, and Issa Doumbia from Sporting, all making their debut appearance in the senior squad.

Also joining for the first time are Mohamed Ali Zoma (Nürnberg), Sebastiano Esposito (Sassuolo), Antonio Vergara (Napoli), Eddy Kouadio (Monza), Daniele Ghilardi (Roma), and Massimo Pessina (Bologna). Their inclusion signals Mancini's willingness to reward promising performances at club level and expand the pool of players available for future competitions.

Alongside the newcomers, the list sees the return of key players like Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Zaniolo, and Rolando Mandragora, reinforcing the team's experience and depth. The only notable absence is Marco Palestra, who is currently sidelined due to injury.

Upcoming Matches in the Nations League

Italy will play four matches in the Nations League. The schedule begins with a home game against Belgium on 25th September at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, followed by an away match against Turkey on 28th September in Bursa.

The team will then travel to Paris to face France on 2nd October, before concluding the series with another match against Turkey on 5th October at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna. These games are crucial not only for the Nations League standings but also for shaping the squad ahead of the next major tournaments.

The Challenges Ahead

Mancini's return comes with high expectations. Having already led Italy to victory in the European Championship during his previous tenure, his goal now is to guide the team to Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. While a complete overhaul has been postponed, the inclusion of young talent alongside experienced players suggests a strategic evolution rather than a revolution.

The squad will gather at Coverciano, with the first training session scheduled for 21st September. The upcoming matches will serve as a key test for both the newcomers and the established players, as Italy looks to build momentum and cohesion under Mancini's renewed leadership.

As Mancini himself said, "A revolution has been postponed because certainty and experience are paramount." The blend of fresh talent and seasoned players in this call-up reflects that philosophy, aiming to strengthen Italy's chances in both the Nations League and the upcoming European qualifiers.

Here is the complete list of the 34 players called up:

  • Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Diar, Falcone, Meret
  • Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Kayode, Romano, Bastoni, Mancini, Scalvini, D’Ambrosio, Doumbia, Udogie, Parisi
  • Midfielders: Barella, Cristante, Locatelli, Ali Zoma, Fagioli, Zaniolo, Esposito, Pessina, Vergara
  • Forwards: Gnonto, Politano, Orsolini, Raspadori, Retegui, Kouadio, Baldanzi, Ghilardi, Colombo, Kean

The Nations League matches will have a significant impact on the European qualifying campaign, making this call-up an important step for Italy's path to Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

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