Historic debut: Mohamed Ali Zoma becomes Italian star

In the stadium of Nuremberg, where fans celebrate Mohamed Ali Zoma's goal, the Italian national team announces a historic step: the 1. FC Nuremberg striker is nominated for the upcoming Nations League matches. The 19‑time scorer in 34 second‑division games, who had already confirmed contacts with coach Roberto Mancini at the end of August, receives the call‑up for the fixtures against Belgium, France and Turkey.

Sky Italia confirms Zoma call‑up

According to Sky Italia, Zoma is in the squad of the Squadra Azzurra for the Nations League matches against Belgium, France and Turkey. Italy's national team has therefore officially registered the Nuremberg striker for the upcoming fixtures.

This creates a unique first: never before has a professional player from the 2. Bundesliga been called up to the Italian national squad. Zoma is thus the first representative of the second German league to be nominated for the Azzurra.

The 19‑time scorer in 34 second‑division games has thereby established a clear starting point. His strike rate underlines why the Italian football community is watching his potential.

At the end of August, after the 4‑1 victory over Arminia Bielefeld, Zoma confirmed contacts with coach Roberto Mancini and stated that the Italian federation was following him closely. This remark already highlighted the growing interest in him.

Because of his family roots, Zoma could also play for Burkina Faso or the Ivory Coast. A meeting with the coach of Burkina Faso already took place in Nuremberg before the Italian call‑up.

The final call‑up is part of Mancini's restart after missing another World Cup. The coach is clearly leaning more on new faces to refresh the selection.

For the Nuremberg star, the nomination means a reward for his development at FC Nuremberg and opens the chance to prove himself on the international stage.