Italy called Gatti due to Bastoni disciplinary record concern

Juventus defender Federico Gatti was called into the Italy squad for an unexpected late inclusion in the Nations League against France and Belgium. This decision appears to stem from worries that Alessandro Bastoni, an Inter defender, might not be fit for the crucial clash with Belgium. The Azzurri are set to conclude their Group A fixtures with matches against France at San Siro and Belgium on Sunday evening.

Italy's coach, Roberto Mancini, had to replace Roma defender Gianluca Mancini due to an injury, and subsequently opted for 18-year-old Udinese talent Matteo Palma. Gatti was added to the team's roster late Sunday night. This move comes about due to Bastoni's current disciplinary record, with several players in the squad only one yellow card away from suspension in the Nations League.

If Bastoni were to receive a yellow card during the France match, he would subsequently be unavailable for the crucial encounter with Belgium. The only central defenders available in that scenario would be Giorgio Scalvini, Honest Ahanor, Matteo Palma, Daniele Ghilardi, and Riccardo Calafiori. Consequently, Gatti was drafted in to provide some reassurance in defense for the final match.

The top two teams in Group A will advance to the Nations League quarter-finals, with France currently leading the table on ten points, followed by Italy on seven points, then Belgium on six. Turkey is currently at the bottom of the table after losing all four of their matches.