Mancini's second Italy tenure begins with 35‑man Nations League squad
More than eight years after his first appointment in May 2018, Roberto Mancini officially began his second spell as Italy manager by unveiling a massive squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign. The coach named a striking total of 35 players, a figure that underscores the demanding schedule the Azzurra will face.
Mancini unveils 35‑man squad
While one report listed 35 names, another source counted 34 players, highlighting a slight discrepancy in the official roster. Among the call‑ups are established leaders such as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defender Alessandro Bastoni, midfielders Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali, and attacking options Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca and Nicolò Zaniolo.
Packed Nations League schedule
The extensive squad size reflects a packed fixture list in the 2026 Nations League, where Italy will contest four matches in just 11 days. The first encounter begins on 25 September at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome against Belgium, followed by an away trip to Turkey on 28 September, a clash with France on 2 October in Saint‑Denis, and a return fixture with Turkey on 5 October in Bologna.
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Debutants and returning faces
Nine players receive their first senior call‑up: goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, defenders Daniele Ghilardi, Michael Kayode and Eddy Kouadio, midfielders Alessandro Romano and Issa Doumbia, and forwards Sebastiano Esposito, Antonio Vergara and Mohamed Alì Zoma. Returning members include Honest Ahanor, Samuele Inacio, Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Zaniolo and Rolando Mandragora, all of whom were absent for varying periods.
Italy will hold its first training session on Monday 21 September at the Coverciano centre, preparing for the opening Nations League match on Friday 25 September at 20.45. The schedule continues with further fixtures on 28 September, 2 October and 5 October, each also slated for a 20.45 kick‑off.
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The breadth of the squad gives Mancini flexibility to rotate players and keep the team physically fresh throughout the intense window, a strategy that could prove decisive as Italy seeks to re‑establish itself on the European stage.