Mancini rules out nine players: Italy face Zidane's France without many stars

Roberto Mancini has decided not to call up nine players for the Nations League match against Zidane's France, a decision that marks a turning point in Italy's preparation and could influence the strategy for the upcoming fixture against Turkey.

Who stays at Coverciano

The excluded are Ahanor, Diego Coppola, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Daniele Ghilardi, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio, Rolando Mandragora, Massimo Pessina and Alessandro Romano; all will remain at Coverciano for individual training ahead of the match in Saint‑Denis.

The decision was announced by Roberto Mancini, Italy's head coach (Ansa) –, who emphasized the need to manage the preparation without subjecting the whole squad to a taxing relocation.

Probable lineup and upcoming commitments

Among the expected starters are Marco Calafiori and Nicolò Barella, with Pio Esposito up front alongside Kean, while Daniel Maldini is favored over Vergara. The projected lineup is: Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Fagioli; Maldini, Kean, S. Esposito.

Italy's next commitment will be against Turkey in Bologna, where the nine excluded players will continue to work at Coverciano to be ready for the upcoming fixture.

The initial squad comprised 34 players, reduced to 33 after Nicolò Zaniolo's injury and subsequently to 32 with Giacomo Raspadori's departure due to a thigh injury.

The match against France will be played on Friday evening at 20:45 at the Stade de France in Paris, with the Italian Federation explaining the choice as “management of the preparation ahead of the matches against France in Paris and against Turkey in Bologna”.