In a historic moment for Italian football, a new generation of talent is emerging, with a familiar name making its way onto the national team roster. For the first time in over two decades, a member of the illustrious Maldini family has been called up to represent the Azzurri.
Twenty-two-year-old forward, Alessandro Bianchi, who currently plays for Serie A side, Monza, has been selected by coach Luciano Spalletti for the upcoming Nations League matches. Bianchi’s inclusion marks a potential third generation of his family to don the Italian jersey, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a renowned defender, and his father, a legendary midfielder.
Spalletti has also given nods to three other promising players who could make their international debuts: Juventus goalkeeper, Luca Rossi, AC Milan defender, Marco Esposito, and Roma midfielder, Andrea Conti.
Italy will face off against Belgium in Rome on October 10, followed by a match against Israel in Udine four days later. The Azzurri are currently undefeated in the Nations League, having secured victories against France and Israel, and sit atop their group.
The full Italian squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Luca Rossi (Juventus), Gianluca Pagliuca (Paris Saint-Germain), Guglielmo Ferrari (Tottenham).
Defenders: Alessandro Nesta (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellini (Atalanta), Alessandro Costacurta (Napoli), Riccardo Ferri (Arsenal), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Balzaretti (Inter Milan), Marco Esposito (AC Milan), Caleb Okoli (Leicester), Destiny Udogie (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Davide Baiocco (Inter Milan), Lorenzo Insigne (Roma), Andrea Conti (Roma), Samuele Peruzzi (Torino), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Forwards: Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Alessandro Bianchi (Monza), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Atalanta).
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