Mancini launches the new Italy: enthusiasm and youngsters in Nations League

Roberto Mancini has defined his first mission with the Italian National Team: to bring back enthusiasm ahead of the match against Belgium on September 25 in the Nations League. The official squad will be published on Friday September 18 and will include more than thirty faces, among veterans and young prospects.

Goal of enthusiasm

Mancini's new project aims to reignite the passion for the blue shirt in a tough group, with France and Turkey alongside Belgium. The aim is to avoid relegation and give the first signs of recovery towards the 2028 Euros, the 2030 World Cup and the home Euro in 2032.

The roster will be built on a 4‑3‑3 that favours proactive play, with space for the youngsters without neglecting the senior players who will form the main backbone.

Goalkeeping and defence evolving

In goal, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the first choice, with Guglielmo Vicario and Marco Carnesecchi fighting for the backup role. A fourth goalkeeper, Massimo Pessina of Bologna, is being considered, excluding Lorenzo Palmisani and Giovanni Daffara.

Among the defenders, Mancini retains the senior players Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Riccardo Calafiori and Federico Dimarco. Marco Palestra remains out due to lack of permission from Chelsea, while Alessandro Buongiorno is excluded. Possible additions: Diego Coppola, Destiny Udogie, Michael Kayode and Daniele Ghilardi.

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The renewed midfield

With the loss of Manuel Locatelli, the midfield retains Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella, Bryan Cristante and Davide Frattesi. The central area welcomes newcomers: Nicolò Fagioli, Alessandro Romano and Issa Doumbia, the latter a former Venezia player now at Sporting.

The wing battery includes Mattia Zaccagni and Federico Bernardeschi, while Nicolò Zaniolo, Federico Chiesa and Riccardo Orsolini are absent, leaving room for Nicolò Cambiaghi and a choice between Matteo Politano or Antonio Vergara.

In attack, the certainties remain Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito. Mateo Retegui will be assessed in the training camp; Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca are fighting for a place, with Samuele Inacio confirmed and a possible surprise: Ali Zoma, a German striker from Nuremberg.

Italy Azzurri ready for France and Belgium in November: schedule, camp

The final list, scheduled for Friday September 18, should include between 31 and 33 call‑ups. The Under 21 youngsters, led by Silvio Baldini, will remain in the squad for qualification to the age‑group Euros and the Olympics.

Mancini's project aims for a balanced mix of experience and talent, hoping to reignite the love for the blue shirt and to chart a solid path towards the upcoming international competitions.