Mancini names nine uncapped players in expanded Italy squad after summer turmoil

Roberto Mancini has introduced his second Italy national team squad, expanding it to 34 players for upcoming Nations League matches. The former Inter Milan boss aims to revamp the team following a tumultuous summer, which saw him take over after Gennaro Gattuso departed and a contentious attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo fell apart due to Pirlo's commercial ties to a Russian betting firm.

Nine uncapped players have been included in the expanded roster, with Brentford's Michael Kayode, Monza's Eddie Kwaidoo, Borussia Dortmund's Samuele Inacio, and Mohamed Ali Zoma from Bundesliga side 1. FC Nurnberg among the newcomers. Mancini's strategy appears to target a stronger core, as notable players were left out, notably Mateo Retegui, despite his impressive season in Saudi Arabia.

Cagliari's Daniel Maldini was also called up, though his driving license was suspended following a car crash in Milan where he was over the legal alcohol limit. Italy's first match will be against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on September 25, followed by games against Turkey and France.