Klopp spares Italy‑courted striker, leaving DFB fearing a talent loss
Jürgen Klopp named two 44‑player squads for the German national team’s four‑match window but left out Italy‑courted striker Nicolo Tresoldi, prompting fears of a loss for the DFB while the coach stresses giving dual‑nationality players time to decide in the upcoming international season.
Klopp announced a total of 44 players across two squads for the upcoming four‑match pack, yet the 22‑year‑old forward from Club Brugge was omitted from the XXL roster.
Ahead of his first selection as national team manager, many expected the prolific goal scorer to be called up, but on Thursday he was absent from the announced list.
DFB press officer Franziska Wülle clarified at Thursday’s press conference that his exclusion does not mean he has chosen against Germany, and Klopp added that it also does not imply a decision against Italy.
Three‑nation eligibility
Tresoldi can decide between three nations. He moved to Hannover at age eleven, granting him German eligibility; he was born in Cagliari, Italy, the hometown of his father, and his mother has Argentine roots, opening a third option.
All three football associations are in contact, with the Italian federation reportedly lobbying most aggressively for his commitment.
Tresoldi thanks Klopp but delays the choice between Germany and Italy
Alternative forwards and youth policy
Instead of Tresoldi, the striking positions went to the Frankfurt duo Younes Ebnoutalib and Jonathan Burkardt, alongside Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Juventus Turin’s Nick Woltemade.
Klopp stressed that no pressure should be placed on players with multiple citizenships who have not yet decided, describing the situation as “quite difficult for young players” and saying it makes sense to give them more time.
He cited Noahkai Banks of FC Augsburg, who could represent the United States but has recently spoken with US coach Mauricio Pochettino, as another example; Banks will also be invited to the U21 side.
Defender Ryan Naderi of Glasgow Rangers is eligible for both Germany and the Czech Republic, highlighting the breadth of dual‑nationality cases the DFB currently handles.
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In recent months the DFB has lost several prospects, such as Kenan Yildiz and Can Uzun, who have already debuted for Turkey.
Previously, Tresoldi was a candidate for the senior World Cup squad under former coach Julian Nagelsmann, but was not selected.
He recorded 23 goals and nine assists, attracting interest from top clubs including Borussia Dortmund, yet he remains in Belgium where, after eight appearances for Club Brugge, he has already netted five times and provided one assist.