Luciano Spalletti has opted for a reduced list so that – as he explained – no one gets frustrated during training sessions. 23 players are currently participating in this gathering of the Italian Team and the others? Overview.
🇪🇺 They were at Euro 2024 though
9 of the 26 players called up to the Euro have not been recalled, for different reasons. Scamacca (Atalanta), Barella (Inter), Chiesa (Liverpool) are injured, convalescing or out of form. Cristante (Roma) broke the code of ethics following a clash with his coach at club level. For his teammate Mancini (Roma), it is a “technical” choice, the Nazionale objectively has plenty of good central defenders.
Spalletti explained himself about Jorginho (Arsenal), the door is not closed, but age is a factor (soon to be 33). Darmian (Inter) has always been part of Spalletti’s lists, we will not see him again despite his versatility. Same for El Shaarawy (Roma). Finally Folorunsho (Napoli) had been the surprise of the list, he did not know how to surf on this hype since he was not involved enough during the summer preparation according to Conte. He is currently away from the pro group.
🚑 They are injured and will come back, finally, hopefully
As mentioned earlier, Barella, Chiesa and Scamacca are unavailable, Scalvini and Zaniolo must be added. Here are five names that would give another face to the Nazionale.
🧟 They have already been summoned by Spalletti and could return
Locatelli (Juventus) is in this situation, he started the season as a starter but he will face fierce competition. Up front, Italy objectively lacks talent, Orsolini and Politano are solutions, but the game system chosen by Spalletti (352 or 3421) does not benefit them at all. There are still interesting contenders for the defensive trio, namely Romagnoli (Lazio) and Biraghi (Fiorentina) who now plays center-left while Casale (Bologna) will continue to play in the C1. In piston, Spinazzola (Napoli) on the left and Lazzari (Lazio) on the right start behind in the hierarchy but are for the moment starters at club level.
In the middle, it’s complicated for Pessina (Monza), and not necessarily better for his former teammate Colpani (Fiorentina) who disappointed in his first outings. In goal, Carnesecchi (Atalanta) and Provedel (Lazio) are very credible alternatives in a position where the average level is very high. Finally, it’s complete uncertainty for Berardi (Sassuolo), injured and relegated to Serie B with his old club.
👋 They have already been summoned by Spalletti but “ciao”
Curtain up for Acerbi (Inter), Bonaventura (Al-Shabab) and Besiktas (Immobile), 105 years old and…105 selections between the three of them.
👶 They are with the U21s and are knocking on the door
After the big hyper of two years ago, Gnonto (Leeds) went back down with the Espoirs. The full-back Kayode (Fiorentina), the piston Ruggeri (Atalanta) and the midfielders Fabbian (Bologna) and Bove (Fiorentina) are the names that stand out among the azzurrini. We can add Savona (Juventus), a starter at right-back at the start of the season, because the path to reach the Nazionale is now very short.
🤔 They have already been summoned…so why not?!
Zappacosta (Atalanta) has not played in the Nazionale for five years, yet he has a starting status as a right-back in a team that is working wonderfully. In the same position, Mazzocchi (Napoli) has Conte’s confidence, the complete opposite of Calabria (Milan) who is destined to slide onto the bench. The other positions? We throw in the Cataldi/Mandragora duo (Fiorentina) and also Grifo (Fribourg), but with more conviction: 4 goals in 9 caps, 42 goals over the last 3 seasons at the club
🥷 They have never been summoned, and it may be soon
One name immediately comes to mind: Di Gregorio (Juventus). He already had a very high save rate at Monza and started with three clean sheets at Juve. Ranieri (Fiorentina) continues to make his mark in central defence and Rovella (Lazio) is getting playing time in midfield.
🫶 They were at Euro 2020 (or 2021), we don’t forget
It was only three years ago after all. Bonucci and Chiellini are retired, Bernardeschi and Insigne in early retirement in Canada, Sirigu is doing a stint at Palermo in Serie B. Florenzi has destroyed his knee again. There are only four names left, Castrovilli who must relaunch his career at Lazio, Toloi who is having a series of physical problems at Atalanta where he is captain, Belotti, still as hard-working as ever at Como. We end with the best, Verratti, currently in Qatar, and who we all miss.
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