Roberto Mancini has confirmed his 31-man squad for the November international break, selecting only one player from Serie A giants Lazio: midfielder Davide Frattesi. The 27-year-old, who recently joined the Biancocelesti from Sassuolo, earns his recall after delivering standout performances during the extended September-October window. Despite a slight dip in form following a sensational start to his new club stint, Frattesi remains a cornerstone of the Azzurri midfield, and Mancini’s decision to retain him underscores his status as one of Italy’s most reliable performers.
Azzurri coach sticks with proven performer despite Zaccagni’s injury setback
The absence of other Lazio stars is notable, particularly for captain Mattia Zaccagni, who was in fine form before suffering a muscle injury during Sunday’s victory over Cagliari. The winger’s setback could keep him sidelined for up to a month, ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures. Additionally, right-back Romano Floriani Mussolini, who had been tipped for a first call-up due to his recent rise to prominence, was ultimately snubbed from the final list, leaving Frattesi as the lone representative from the Stadio Olimpico contingent.
Beyond the core veterans, Mancini injected youth into the squad with the inclusion of 17-year-old Como midfielder Riccardo Cassano and 18-year-old Parma forward Simone Lontani. These fresh faces signal the coach’s commitment to blending experience with emerging talent as the Azzurri prepare for their next competitive challenges. For Lazio, the focus now shifts to managing Zaccagni’s recovery and assessing how the team will navigate their upcoming schedule, including a critical clash against Napoli, without their key attacking threat.
Source: Yahoo Sports
