Roberto Mancini has unveiled a 34-man Italy squad for the opening block of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, handing first senior call-ups to nine players as the former European champions begin a new chapter under their returning head coach.
The list, announced on Thursday 18 September, covers four matches in 11 days: Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 25 September, Turkey away in Bursa on 28 September, France at the Stade de France on 2 October, and a return fixture against Turkey in Bologna on 5 October.
Nine Faces, One Vision
Mancini, who was reappointed by the FIGC in July after three years away, has cast the net wide. Goalkeeper Massimo Pessina of Bologna leads the group of newcomers, joined by defenders Daniele Ghilardi (Roma), Michael Kayode (Brentford) and Eddy Kouadio (Monza). In midfield, Alessandro Romano (Cagliari) and Issa Doumbia (Sporting CP) earn their first taste of senior international football, while up front Sebastiano Esposito (Sassuolo), Antonio Vergara (Napoli) and Mohamed Alì Zoma (Norimberg) complete the nine.
"There are some very interesting profiles," Mancini told reporters. "We need to look at the future while remaining competitive now."
Comebacks Headline Established Names
Beyond the debutants, the squad features notable returns. Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolò Zaniolo, both absent since October 2024, are recalled, as is Rolando Mandragora — whose last cap came in March 2021. Honest Ahanor (Crystal Palace) and Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund), first called up for the June friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, retain their places.
The core of Serie A remains: Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Giorgio Scalvini in defence; Nicolo Barella, Samuele Ricci and Davide Frattesi in midfield. Up front, Lautaro Martínez is the headline striker.
Maldini Included Despite Off-Field Controversy
Daniel Maldini, currently on loan at Monza from AC Milan, has been selected despite a car accident earlier this week in which he was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The FIGC confirmed the forward remains part of the setup, though the incident is being reviewed internally.
Absent but Not Forgotten
Several established names miss out. Defender Federico Gatti is omitted, as are Matteo Politano, Manuel Locatelli and young midfielder Niccolò Pisilli. Mancini's willingness to reward form at club level over reputation is a clear signal that places in the 2026 World Cup squad are still up for grabs.
The Bigger Picture
Italy were relegated from League A in the previous edition and face a demanding group. The Nations League also serves as a direct qualifier pathway to the 2028 European Championship — making every result significant. Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, knows the stakes: rebuild credibility, integrate youth, and prepare for the World Cup in North America. The 34-man pool is not just a squad list — it is the first draft of a long-term project.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/18-09-2026/italia-i-convocati-di-mancini-la-lista-e-le-sorprese.shtml
- https://sport.sky.it/calcio/nazionale/2026/09/18/convocati-italia-mancini-nazionale-nations-league-2026
