Mancini names 32-man squad for France and Belgium: five major debuts
The Italian coach has opted for a smaller squad compared to the opening four matches of the Nations League campaign, with significant debuts among the youngsters and a nationality switch in defence.
Roberto Mancini has announced his squad for the final two group-stage fixtures of the Nations League, scheduled against France and Belgium in Milan and Brussels respectively. The roster comprises 32 players, two fewer than in the previous call-ups spread across eleven days.
Five newcomers have been promoted to the senior Nazionale: midfielder Riccardo Cassano of Como and his counterpart Simone Lontani of Parma, both temporarily integrated before joining their respective youth squads competing in international tournaments; forwards Alphadjo Cisse of Milan and Mattia Liberali of Como; defender Matteo Palma of Udinese, who obtained Fifa clearance for a nationality change following previous appearances for Germany's youth sides.
Italy enters the fixtures with seven points in the group, second place and three points adrift of leaders France. The Azzurri have already secured at least third place and qualification as seeded teams for the European qualifier draw, scheduled for December 6 in Belfast. The aim is to cement their standing in League A and mount a push for one of the two top positions that guarantee access to the quarter-finals.