Switzerland U21 and Romano choose Italy, a crossroads for the national team

Alex Frei, current coach of Switzerland U21, appeared on “La Domenica Sportiva” to comment on the decision of Alessandro Romano, midfielder of Cagliari, to represent Italy instead of the Swiss national team. The coach emphasized that “For Switzerland it is not a defeat” and recalled that as a child Romano probably did not sleep with the red‑and‑white shirt.

The consequences of the choice

Frei warned Romano of the possible repercussions: “with Italy he could play one match and then not be called up for five years”, while “with Switzerland he might have played twenty in a row”. This difference in continuity has sparked debate about the young midfielder’s international career.

The coach also criticized the foreign‑player bias of Swiss clubs, arguing that it is more appealing to sign a youngster from Villarreal than one from Kriens or Sciaffusa. However, he reiterated that, when he watches the performances of the Swiss, “the Swiss player is not worse” and he is committed to proving that preferring a foreign player is nonsense.

Frei then commented on the shortcomings of Yakin’s national team, stating: “in Switzerland we do not have a world‑class striker”. He acknowledged the presence of excellent forwards, but pointed out that true international‑class target men are missing.

Among the talents he follows with interest is Boteli, a central striker for Sion, who according to Frei “has made giant strides” in recent months. The coach praised the favourable environment that enhances the youngster, while still harbouring doubts about his future as an international‑level forward.

The comparison between the Swiss and Italian prospects highlights the tension between continuity of call‑ups and visibility opportunities, suggesting that Romano’s decision could affect both his personal development and the strategy of Switzerland U21.