{
  "id": 8285523,
  "title": "Mancini names nine uncapped players in expanded Italy squad after summer turmoil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/mancini-names-nine-uncapped-players-in-expanded-italy-squad-after",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T18:44:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/mancini-names-nine-uncapped-players-in-expanded-italy-squad-after-summer-turmoil-6395676"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nNine 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.\n\nCagliari'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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Roberto Mancini expanded Italy squad to 34 players for Nations League matches.",
    "Nine uncapped players, including Michael Kayode and Eddie Kwaidoo, added to roster.",
    "First match against Belgium on September 25 at Stadio Olimpico in Rome."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}