Italy: Roberto Mancini must modify his squad

25.09.26 14:45 UEFA Nations League A

Italy

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Belgium

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Roberto Mancini must modify his squad for his return at the helm of Italy. Federico Dimarco and Bryan Cristante have been forced to withdraw due to physical problems. The Italian Football Federation has announced their replacements.

Dimarco and Cristante ruled out

Federico Dimarco, Inter Milan’s left-back, is suffering from knee discomfort. After the medical examinations, the Italian staff decided not to take any risks with the player. Bryan Cristante, a midfielder at AS Roma, is dealing with a lower-back problem. The two players have therefore left the squad’s training camp.

To replace the two unavailable players, Matteo Ruggeri and Samuele Ricci have been called up. Ruggeri, who plays for Aston Villa, already has 11 caps for Italy. He could use this training camp to make his first appearance for the national team. It is his second call-up after the one he received in March 2025 for the two-legged quarter-final tie against Germany in the Nations League.

Italy’s schedule

This squad selection comes ahead of Italy’s first international window since Mancini returned to lead the national team. He had already managed the Azzurri between 2018 and 2023, notably winning Euro 2020.

Italy will face Belgium, Türkiye, France and then Türkiye again between September 25 and October 5, as part of preparations for the next edition of the Nations League.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Italy

Belgium

UEFA Nations League A