Roberto Mancini has signaled a fresh start for Italy as the national team gathers for its UEFA Nations League campaign, with the returning coach making significant changes to his squad.
Mancini, back in charge of the Azzurri, defended his decision to introduce nine players receiving their first senior call-ups. The move represents a clear attempt to build a new generation rather than rely entirely on established names.
Italy’s 34-man squad includes first-time selections such as Massimo Pessina, Daniele Ghilardi, Michael Kayode, Eddy Kouadio, Alessandro Romano, Issa Doumbia, Sebastiano Esposito, Antonio Vergara and Mohamed Alì Zoma.
Mancini Wants Quick Progress
Speaking as the squad assembled, Mancini acknowledged that rebuilding the national team will take time but insisted that progress must come quickly.
The coach said Italy needed to give younger players an opportunity and understand what they can contribute to the team in the future. He also urged supporters to move beyond the team’s recent disappointments and unite behind the rebuilding process.
Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has increased pressure around the national team. Mancini said supporters had every right to be frustrated but stressed that the focus now has to be on rebuilding.
“The past doesn’t count anymore,” Mancini said, according to Reuters.
A Difficult Nations League Schedule
Italy will begin their Nations League campaign against Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Friday, September 25.
Three days later, the Azzurri travel to Bursa to face Türkiye before meeting France in Saint-Denis on October 2. Italy will then host Türkiye in Bologna on October 5.
The opening four matches will give Mancini an early opportunity to assess his new squad against three established European opponents.
The Italian Football Federation has described the schedule as a demanding four-match stretch in 11 days as the team attempts to rebuild confidence following its World Cup disappointment.
Squad Changes Continue
The squad has already undergone adjustments before the first match.
Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco withdrew because of injury and was replaced by Aston Villa’s Matteo Ruggeri. Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante also withdrew, with Samuele Ricci brought into the squad.
Despite the changes, Mancini has maintained his emphasis on giving opportunities to new players.
Italy’s squad still contains experienced figures including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, Sandro Tonali and Gianluca Mancini. The combination of established players and new faces will form the basis of Mancini’s latest project.
Italy Searching for a New Identity
Mancini returns at a difficult moment for Italian football after a turbulent summer for the country’s football federation. Gennaro Gattuso’s departure was followed by an unsuccessful attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo before Mancini’s return.
The coach, however, has insisted that the focus should remain on the team’s responsibilities rather than the surrounding administrative issues.
For Italy, the Nations League now provides a competitive setting to test the next generation. Mancini’s decision to make major changes means the coming matches will offer an early look at how quickly the revamped Azzurri can develop into a cohesive side.
The first test comes against Belgium in Rome, with Türkiye and France waiting shortly afterwards.