Lazio midfielder Davide Frattesi addressed the media at Coverciano after celebrating his 27th birthday ahead of Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium. The midfielder backed returning head coach Roberto Mancini while revealing why his shared World Cup heartbreak with Gennaro Gattuso remains an open wound.
Inter forward Pio Esposito and Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito could make Italian football history during the upcoming Nations League fixtures under Roberto Mancini. If deployed together, they will become the first brothers to play simultaneously for the Azzurri since 2000.
Kevin De Bruyne confirmed he will continue playing for Belgium under new head coach Mark van Bommel, targeting Euro 2028 as a potential endpoint. The 35-year-old playmaker revealed that pleas from team-mates and his own physical sharp shape at Napoli drove his decision.
Brentford full-back Michael Kayode addressed interest from Inter Milan and the Nigerian Football Federation following his maiden Italy call-up. The 22-year-old insisted staying in the Premier League and representing the Azzurri were easy choices.
Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul reflected on his dream maiden France call-up under new manager Zinedine Zidane. The Ligue 1 top scorer detailed receiving passes from the icon in training and sitting through an inspiring national team history video.
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez became the oldest player to earn a maiden France call-up in half a century after replacing the injured Robin Risser. The 31-year-old received the surprise call from Zinedine Zidane before training under legendary goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez.
Leaked details ahead of Roberto Mancini's official squad announcement suggest the returning Italy boss will name an extended 35-man list for four upcoming Nations League matches. The expected selection features a mix of European champion stalwarts, surprise returns, and uncapped prospects.
Mark van Bommel experienced a historic double milestone as he named his first squad as Belgium head coach while celebrating his son Ruben's maiden Netherlands call-up. Speaking during his managerial debut press conference, the former midfielder praised his son's remarkable recovery from injury.
New Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel has named a 28-player squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy, France, and Türkiye. The selection retains Youri Tielemans as captain while featuring key stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium
