Now the Swiss are snubbing Alessandro Romano: “Let him go with Italy—we’re not begging for anything.”

Alessandro Romano, who recently changed his sporting nationality in order to answer Italy’s call, has disappointed the Swiss. According to Alberto Regazzoni, interviewed by Tio.ch, the Swiss Federation is not to blame. “In my opinion, the Federation didn’t sit idly by. We’re talking about the national team, not a club team where there are salary negotiations. With the national team, either you feel up to it and join, or you’re out. We shouldn’t have to beg anyone to wear the red-and-white jersey.”

“If someone has come up through the ranks here, grown up, and played in the youth system in Switzerland, and then prefers to play for Italy, let him play for Italy. The Swiss national team shouldn’t have to beg anyone,” adds the three-time Swiss international.

“The national team is a matter of pride. Whoever feels a connection to this jersey should come and wear it with pride. Whoever doesn’t feel it should go elsewhere. What can the Federation do? I think it’s already doing a lot by giving so many players the opportunity to develop. Swiss clubs and the Federation help all these young players grow. Do they prefer to play for another national team? Let them go.”

“It’s a real shame, because he seems like a true talent. But what can be done? I’ll say it again: this isn’t the transfer market, where you make an offer. Romano knew the Swiss national team was counting on him. Yakin would probably have called him up for the Nations League. But objectively speaking, it was unthinkable to call him up any sooner—perhaps for the World Cup.”