According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti will implement a major shake-up of the squad in the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, which start in September, and in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, following their disappointing exit from Euro 2024.
Spalletti stated in a press conference following Italy’s elimination on Sunday that he plans to lower the squad’s average age. This means that a number of players who participated in the Euros could be cut to give way to new blood. Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Monday that players who could potentially be left out of the new Italian national team include 32-year-old Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, 31-year-old Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy, and 34-year-old Inter Milan defender Danilo D’Ambrosio.
In addition to these players, some others are also under threat after their underwhelming performances at the Euros, including Roma’s Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who were particularly disappointing in the 0-1 defeat to Spain in the group stage.
Spalletti has a clear vision for his new Italy squad, with many players waiting for a chance to earn a place under the guidance of the winning manager. The most obvious example is Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is expected to return from his suspension at the end of August, leaving just eight days until the start of the new Nations League season. Other players who have been called up to the national team in the past are also waiting for a call-up from Spalletti, including Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, Galatasaray attacker Nicolò Zaniolo, and Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, who missed the Euros due to injury.
Gazzetta dello Sport also highlighted a number of young players who are ready for a chance. Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie is another defender who missed the Euros due to injury, while Fiorentina defender Riccardo Caldara and Bologna midfielder Fabiano Parisi are also eager to make their mark. Perhaps the player who has generated the most excitement among fans is AC Milan’s new “prince” Tommaso Pobega, although he needs to establish himself at Milan and earn regular playing time. Similar to Pobega, Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei and Empoli’s young midfielder Nicolò Fazzini are also being considered.
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