The Azzurri’s latest squad, announced on Monday, features 34 players selected for the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League, with the list dominated by a mix of established internationals and a wave of fresh faces.
Among the nine newcomers are Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, Brentford full‑back Michael Kayode, Monza defender Eddy Kouadio, Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano, Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia, Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito, Napoli forward Antonio Vergara and Nürnberg attacker Mohamed Alì Zoma, all receiving their first senior call‑up.
Veterans such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella and Bryan Cristante remain in the mix, while Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Zaniolo and Rolando Mandragora return after long absences. Forward Daniel Maldini, also selected, is currently under scrutiny after a recent car crash in which his blood‑alcohol level exceeded legal limits.
In a historic move, former Italian fencer Diana Bianchedi will serve as the delegation’s chief for the first time, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the national team’s history.
The squad will convene for its first training session on Monday at the Coverciano facilities before opening the Nations League campaign on 25 September against Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Italy will then travel to Bursa, Turkey, for a match on 28 September, face France in Saint‑Denis on 2 October, and conclude the window with a home game against Turkey on 5 October at Bologna’s Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Mancini’s expanded roster reflects a “tour de force” approach aimed at restoring confidence after Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, giving the coach a broader pool to experiment with as the team seeks to rebuild its competitive edge.