Italy names 34-player squad for UEFA Nations League with Donnarumma, Calafiori, and Kayode leading the rebuild

Roberto Mancini’s 34-player squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, announced on September 18, blends proven international performers like captain Gianluigi Donnarumma and Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori with a wave of fresh faces, including Brentford full-back Michael Kayode, who earns his first senior call-up. Nine players in the squad have never been capped at senior level. A mix of old guard and new blood Donnarumma, now plying his trade at Manchester City, continues to anchor the goalkeeping position. The more intriguing name is Kayode. The 20-year-old right-back moved to Brentford and has impressed in the Premier League with his explosive athleticism and willingness to join the attack. The returning contingent also tells a story. Nicolò Zaniolo and Nicolò Fagioli are both back in the fold after periods away from the national team setup. The schedule is brutal Italy opens the Nations League campaign on September 25 against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Three days later, they face Turkey. Then comes France on October 2. That’s three matches in the span of a week against opponents who range from tricky to genuinely dangerous. The compressed calendar ex...