Roberto Mancini has signaled a bold new era for the Azzurri by naming several uncapped starlets in his latest 31-man Italy squad. As the national team prepares for high-stakes Nations League encounters against France and Belgium, the manager has balanced established veterans with a wave of exciting young talent.
He was Serie A’s best goalkeeper in 2025/26, but Mile Svilar was last occupied during an international break five years ago. A fateful decision lies behind it.
Thibaut Courtois is still the “best” goalkeeper in world football, ex-Belgium international Philippe Albert has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid custodian considered to have fended off competition from the likes of David Raya, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alisson. A standing at the very top of the global game has been enjoyed by Courtois for well over a decade.
Thibaut Courtois has shed light on the extraordinary depth of his fallout with the Belgian national team setup, detailing a departure from the squad's communication channels. The Real Madrid goalkeeper remains absent from the international scene as his public dispute with head coach Mark van Bommel shows no signs of a resolution.
Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United “surprised” Philippe Albert, but the former Belgium international has admitted to GOAL that it is “difficult to say no” when the Red Devils come calling. Another Premier League-proven addition to the Old Trafford engine room was made in the summer of 2026, with a boyhood dream being fulfilled in the process.
Loudeac
