Italy vs. Turkey: Mancini Rules Out Seven Azzurri Players and Is Considering Several Changes

Roberto Mancini has made his decisions ahead of Monday night’s match against Turkey, scheduled for 8:45 p.m. at the Dall’Ara Stadium in Bologna. In addition to Moise Kean, who left training camp due to an injury, the Italian head coach has decided to exclude seven other Azzurri players, who will watch the match—a Nations League Group Stage Matchday 4 fixture—from the stands.

Diego Coppola, Daniele Ghilardi, Eddy Kouadio, Rolando Mandragora, Matteo Pessina, Samuele Ricci, and Mohamed Alì Zoma are off the roster. However, Samuele Inacio, born in 2008, will be included and could see playing time during the match—in part to avoid a potential future call-up by Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Mancini is considering several changes from the lineup used against France. Donnarumma is a certainty; in defense, there could once again be a spot for Di Lorenzo (in a toss-up with Kayode) and Mancini, who will need to redeem themselves after their terrible performance against Belgium at the Olimpico. Bastoni is expected to be the other center back, with Ruggeri on the left in place of Calafiori.

In midfield, Alessandro Romano could return to the starting lineup—he, too, was criticized after the match against the Red Devils—and alongside him, Nicolò Barella and either Issa Doumbia or Frattesi could start. Sandro Tonali, on the other hand, will be rested. Up front, Scamacca is expected to take Pio Esposito’s place: the Atalanta forward could be flanked by Vergara and Daniel Maldini.

““I think that if a young player has talent, he should be given the chance to play; that’s what I believe about young players: that’s the only way they can improve,” Mancini said at the press conference. “Team chemistry? Before a team can win, it must come together as a group and be happy to be together—that’s essential before stepping onto the field.”

“Vergara and Romano have a chance to play. I’ve always liked Cambiaghi, ever since his time at Empoli, because I saw in him the qualities to become an excellent winger. We’re continuing to work on that aspect.”