Cassano called up by Mancini: Como's teenager becomes Italy's youngest convocation
Riccardo Cassano, born 2009 midfielder, joins Italy's squad for Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium without yet making his Serie A debut. Mancini might skip the club stage, as happened with Zaniolo.
Among the twelve fresh faces in Mancini's squad, Riccardo Cassano stands out as the youngest player selected. The Como midfielder has yet to debut at senior level, but he's already caught the Italy manager's attention ahead of European fixtures scheduled for November 12 and 15 against France and Belgium.
Cesar Fabregas, Como's coach, has cultivated confidence in the 2009-born talent for some time. Cassano is a midfielder with refined playmaking abilities, distinguished by a composure uncommon for his age: he can operate either as a pure holding midfielder or in a three-man midfield. Fabregas himself has compared him to figures like Pirlo and Iniesta, while at club level Perrone represents his benchmark.
Mancini's choice reflects his known approach. The Italian manager has shown no hesitation in promoting talents yet to make their professional debut: Nicolò Zaniolo is the most telling precedent. For Cassano, his breakthrough moment could come during these upcoming Nations League matches.