The squad, announced on Sunday, will see Italy face Belgium in Rome, then travel to Bursa for a clash with Turkey before meeting France in Saint‑Denis on October 2. A second home game against Turkey is scheduled for October 5 at Bologna’s Dall’Ara stadium.
Among the nine debutants are Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, Brentford’s Michael Kayode, Monza defender Eddy Kouadio, Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano, Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia, Sassuolo forward Sebastiano Esposito, Napoli forward Antonio Vergara and Nürnberg attacker Mohamed Alì Zoma.
The call‑up also includes Daniel Maldini of Cagliari, who returned to the squad after a high‑profile incident in Milan that led to an alcohol‑related traffic accident. Maldini’s representatives released toxicology results showing no illegal substances, countering earlier rumors of a positive test.
The selection sparked some debate, but FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said the federation will respect Mancini’s full autonomy in choosing the squad.
Veterans Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City) and Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta) remain in goal, while defenders such as Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) and Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli) retain their places. Midfielders Nicolò Barella (Inter) and Bryan Cristante (Roma) also stay on the list, and forwards Moise Kean (Como) and Nicolò Zaniolo (Udinese) return after periods of absence.
Diana Bianchedi, a former Olympic fencing champion, will serve as delegation chief for the first time in the history of the Azzurri. After a brief review by the anti‑corruption authority ANAC, which found no clear incompatibility, she accepted the role, marking a historic milestone for women in Italian football administration.
Mancini, now in his second spell as head coach, hopes the refreshed roster will restore confidence after Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. The next eleven days will see the team play four matches, a schedule designed to rebuild momentum and secure vital points in the Nations League.