The medical department of the Italian national team has moved to clarify their protocols following public criticism from Como head coach Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder expressed his frustration after Moise Kean returned from international duty with a fitness issue that could have been avoided.
The tournament might not kick-off for the best part of two years, but the extended international break offered some early clues as to how the challengers are shaping up
Germany under-21 striker Nicolo Tresoldi has revealed why he turned down a senior call-up from Jurgen Klopp as his international tug-of-war continues. The 22-year-old forward admitted he remains completely split between representing Germany or Italy, with both Klopp and Azzurri chief Roberto Mancini personally pitching for his allegiance.
Vincenzo Montella has issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Turkish Football Federation, insisting he remains the right man to lead the national team forward. Despite a bruising Nations League campaign that has left Turkey rooted to the bottom of their group, the Italian coach believes his side is showing significant signs of progress against elite opposition.
Gianluca Scamacca played a starring role as Italy continued their impressive upward trajectory under Roberto Mancini with a hard-fought victory over Turkey in Bologna. The Azzurri had to withstand significant pressure at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium but eventually secured three vital points to bolster their hopes of reaching the Nations League knockout stages.
Riccardo Calafiori has expressed his delight at reaching a significant personal milestone after finding the net during Italy's Nations League victory over Turkey. The Arsenal defender described the feeling as an "unexplainable emotion" as he helped his country secure three points on familiar turf.
Italy secured a vital 3-1 win over Turkey at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Francesco Esposito. Despite a brief scare when Aral Simsir equalised, Roberto Mancini's tactical adjustments proved decisive.
Italy secured a vital victory in their quest for Nations League glory with a battling 3-1 win over Turkey at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Francesco Pio Esposito ensured Roberto Mancini's side moved into second place in Group A1.
Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella has provided a refreshing perspective on his recent spell on the bench for Italy, insisting that the collective success of the Azzurri far outweighs any individual frustration. The tireless midfielder also opened up about the immense physical demands of the modern football calendar as he prepares for a likely return to the starting line-up.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has demanded total focus from his players ahead of their Nations League meeting with Turkiye, insisting that their opponents remain a significant threat despite a difficult run of results. The Azzurri boss also confirmed a major blow to his attacking options as the squad prepares for their fourth fixture of a demanding international break.
Zinedine Zidane has expressed his absolute astonishment at the rapid rise of Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet following the youngster's sensational start to life with the French national team. The legendary former Real Madrid boss was left waxing lyrical about the 21-year-old’s maturity and tactical discipline on the international stage.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini declared that his team passed a crucial test of maturity after holding France to a 1-1 Nations League draw. Mancini praised the Azzurri's tactical aggression and defensive cohesion following Alessandro Bastoni's second-half equaliser at the Stade de France.
Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni admitted he did not expect to score twice in two international matches after earning a 1-1 draw against France. Returning from a international hiatus, the Inter centre-back declared that the Azzurri can now compete against any team.
France forward Desire Doue insisted Les Bleus remain on the right path following their 1-1 Nations League draw against Italy. Michael Olise scored a sublime opening goal at the Stade de France before Alessandro Bastoni earned Italy a point.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane expressed mild frustration after seeing his side held to a 1-1 Nations League draw by Italy in his first home match in charge. Despite Michael Olise opening the scoring, Les Bleus conceded an equalizer before defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off.
Italy forward Sebastiano Esposito praised his side's defensive discipline following a 1-1 Nations League draw against France. The young attacker acknowledged that while Italy always aim to win, the squad requires patience during a transitional phase under Roberto Mancini.
Defender Alessandro Bastoni and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered standout performances as Italy fought back to secure a 1-1 Nations League draw against France. Bastoni scored a brilliant second-half equalizer after Donnarumma produced key saves on his return to Paris.
France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy at the Stade de France as Michael Olise's opener was cancelled out by Alessandro Bastoni. A late red card for Dayot Upamecano compounded a frustrating night for Les Bleus in the UEFA Nations League.
Italy earned a resilient 1-1 draw against France at the Stade de France, recovering from a Michael Olise opener. A commanding performance from Alessandro Bastoni ensured the Azzurri left with a point after the defender cancelled out the deficit.
Italy demonstrated immense character at the Stade de France to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a star-studded French side led by Zinedine Zidane. Despite falling behind to a spectacular strike, the Azzurri fought back to ensure they left Paris with a valuable point in their Nations League group.
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has broken his silence following the Premier League’s explosive verdict against his former club, insisting that the legal fallout is not his concern. The Italian tactician, who famously led the Cityzens to their first Premier League crown, finds himself at the centre of allegations regarding secret payments during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
Thierry Henry has offered a glowing assessment of Zinedine Zidane’s early impact as France manager, comparing the legendary midfielder to a deity. After waiting patiently for his opportunity to lead Les Bleus, the former Real Madrid boss has hit the ground running with a perfect record in the dugout.
Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez has offered strong backing to Italy as the four-time world champions attempt to rebuild following their historic absence from the international stage. The Spanish shot-stopper insists the talent pool remains elite under Roberto Mancini, arguing that restoring collective belief will prove decisive during this transitional period.
Roberto Mancini is relishing the chance to take on Zinedine Zidane's France side at the Stade de France this Friday. The Italy boss has joked that the hosts are so strong his players might need the opposition to catch a cold to stand any chance of winning.