Mohamed Ali Zoma recalls Italy debut alongside childhood friend

The Nuremberg forward called his national-team call-up a dream come true and remembered embracing Issa Doumbia after his debut.

Twenty-two-year-old Nuremberg striker Mohamed Ali Zoma has discussed his first experience with Italy’s national team in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio. His call-up was one of the surprises of Roberto Mancini’s first four matches after returning as head coach.

Zoma made his debut against Belgium in a defeat and then stayed on the bench for the match against France. He said playing for the national side had been a dream and the start of a new journey. After the game he embraced Issa Doumbia, whom he called a friend and “brother.” They came through AlbinoLeffe’s youth system together and had dreamed as children of becoming professional footballers.

Born in Merate, Lombardy, Zoma spent about a decade in AlbinoLeffe’s system. Nuremberg signed him for €800,000, and he later made his Bundesliga 2 debut. He scored 14 goals last season and has six in six matches this season. He said he learned about his call-up five minutes before dinner with his club teammates and quickly phoned his mother.

The forward praised Italy midfielder Nicolò Barella and said he hopes to be called up again. Bundesliga.com also reported that Zoma scored 14 goals in Bundesliga 2 last season.