Roberto Mancini called up Manolo Gabbiadini to replace the injured Matteo Politano, giving the Sampdoria striker his first taste of action for Italy since November 2017.
The Azzurri have a limited number of options going forward in this international break, with players like Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Chiesa, Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Pellegrini and now Matteo Politano all unavailable. Mancini has had to be creative with his options, calling up both Gabbiadini and Inter owned talent Sebastiano Esposito.
The 30-year-old Gabbiadini has not been a part of the Italy squad since November 2017, when Gian Piero Ventura started him in the disastrous World Cup play-off match against Sweden at San Siro.
After almost five years, the former Southampton striker is ready to don the Azzurri shirt again, hoping to make an appearance in the upcoming Nations League games against England and Hungary.
Gabbiadini has made 11 caps for Italy since making his debut in August 2012, scoring goals against Romania and Liechtenstein.
Oh my……what a sad state of affairs.
WHy didn’t he call up Scamacca????
Something incorrect in this article. Salvatore Esposito from Spal is called up, not Sebastiano Esposito.
@Donato Scamacca has been already with the team.
Gabbiadini!! 30yrs of age!!!! Pre-Ventura & Co-Ventura!!! I am utterly shocked by this player’s inclusion. He might be playing okay or good for his team(can’t comment on this) but is this the future?? is this preparing the team for the distant hope of future World Cup qualification.
Gabbiandini should of been called up last season when he was playing well not now when he hasn’t played much. He has lost the plot for sure.