Luciano Spalletti, at the helm of the Italian national team, has unveiled his 25-man squad for the crucial UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Germany, a two-legged encounter that holds significant implications for Italy’s footballing future. The matches, slated for March 20th at the San Siro in Milan and March 23rd at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund, represent a pivotal juncture for the Azzurri. Victory against Germany would not only propel them into the Nations League finals, to be hosted in Turin, but also offer a more favorable path towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup. A win would see Italy placed in a qualifying group alongside Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. Conversely, defeat would consign them to a more challenging group featuring Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova, significantly increasing the difficulty of their World Cup qualification journey. This double-header, therefore, acts as a “sliding door” moment, shaping Italy’s immediate and long-term international prospects.
Spalletti’s squad selection features a blend of established names and exciting new talent, reflecting his vision for the future of Italian football. Notable inclusions are Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri and midfielder Cesare Casadei, both receiving their first senior call-ups. Ruggeri’s impressive season at Atalanta, marked by his 101st appearance and inclusion in UEFA’s Europa League Team of the Season, has earned him this opportunity, particularly in the absence of the injured Federico Dimarco. Casadei, recently transferred to Torino from Chelsea, adds another dimension to the midfield. While his appearances at Chelsea were limited, loan spells at Reading and Leicester City have provided him with valuable experience, preparing him for this step up to the international stage. These selections underscore Spalletti’s willingness to integrate promising young players into the national setup.
The squad also witnesses the return of Napoli’s Matteo Politano and Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni, bolstering Italy’s attacking options after periods of absence from the national team. Politano’s consistent performances for Napoli and Zaccagni’s dynamic attacking prowess bring added depth and creativity to the Azzurri’s forward line. Their return, coupled with the inclusion of Serie A’s leading scorers, Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean, signifies a potent attacking force for Italy, primed to face the German challenge. Both Retegui and Kean are enjoying prolific seasons in front of goal, and their current form provides Italy with a significant advantage in the attacking third.
A conspicuous absence from the squad is any representation from Roma. Spalletti, who previously managed Roma, has opted not to include any players from the club in this selection, a decision that has undoubtedly sparked discussion and speculation within Italian football circles. The reasons behind this omission remain unclear, but it highlights the coach’s autonomy and preference for specific player profiles. Despite Roma’s contribution to the Serie A landscape, Spalletti has chosen to focus on players he believes are best suited to his tactical approach for these crucial Nations League matches.
The goalkeeping department sees the familiar presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG), Alex Meret (Napoli), and Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham), ensuring a strong and experienced trio guarding the Italian net. In defense, stalwarts like Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), and Federico Gatti (Juventus) provide a solid foundation, while the inclusion of younger talents like Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), and Destiny Udogie (Tottenham) adds depth and future potential to the defensive ranks. The midfield boasts a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, with established names like Nicolò Barella (Inter), Davide Frattesi (Inter), and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) alongside emerging talents like Samuele Ricci (Torino) and Nicolò Rovella (Lazio). The presence of Cesare Casadei adds further intrigue and potential to this crucial area of the pitch.
This squad, assembled under Spalletti’s guidance, reflects a balance between experience and youth, aiming to navigate the challenging test posed by Germany. The upcoming matches carry immense weight for Italy, influencing not only their immediate success in the Nations League but also their journey towards the 2026 World Cup. The players will convene at Inter’s training facility in Appiano Gentile to prepare for the first leg at the San Siro, followed by the decisive second leg in Dortmund three days later. The outcome of these two games holds significant ramifications for the Azzurri’s trajectory in international football.
In summary, Spalletti’s 25-man squad selection represents a strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising young players, poised to tackle the crucial Nations League quarter-final against Germany. The inclusion of debutants Ruggeri and Casadei, the return of Politano and Zaccagni, and the potent attacking duo of Retegui and Kean signifies a well-rounded and formidable squad. The notable absence of Roma players underscores Spalletti’s strategic preferences and autonomy in shaping the team. These two matches against Germany are not just about progressing in the Nations League; they are pivotal in shaping Italy’s path towards the 2026 World Cup. The outcome will determine the difficulty of their qualifying group and significantly influence their chances of securing a place in the global tournament. The Azzurri’s fate hangs in the balance, and their performance in these two encounters will be a crucial indicator of their progress under Spalletti’s leadership.
