Italy CT Roberto Mancini has decided to bring Inter full-back Federico Dimarco to replace Matteo Pessina among the 23 players in the squad for the UEFA Nations League.
The FIGC has sent UEFA the documents relating to the unavailability of the Atalanta midfielder and a request to replace him with the Inter player.
Mancini overlooked Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was expected to take Pessina’s place in the squad, has decided to go with Dimarco – who has played nine times for Inter under Simone Inzaghi, after returning from a stint on loan at Hellas Verona.
The 23-year-old has never played for the Azzurri, but arrives after several appearances with the Azzurrini and the national team’s different age groups.
Dimarco has played 10 times with the U21 side, and has appeared 67 times from U15 to U20.
On Wednesday, the national team will face Spain at San Siro in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League.
Pessina non ce la fa, #Mancini convoca #Dimarco pic.twitter.com/rrDOKjnHcD
— RaiSport (@RaiSport) October 4, 2021
Strange. I can only guess that Mancini thinks that we’re a bit light in the FB positions. That said, we have Emerson, Calabria – who can play on either flank, Di Lorenzo and Bernardeschi could play there in an emergency. I am happy to see Dimarco called up though. I have felt over the past two years, that with his attacking qualities, he would be a very good alternative/back-up for Spinazzola.
I think he wants to leave Tonali for the U-21 team
He wants Tonali to help u21 team where he will start both games
The U-21 coach has requested Tonali.
Dimarco can provide the attacking capabilities of spinnazola…he miles better than Emerson
Not sure dimarco is as good in a back 4 to be honest
Strange inclusion
Zaniolo?
Yeah makes sense … wait what?!
Zaniolo is ruled out due to injury
I have seen DiMarco for Inter and when he played for the U21. He is excellent in taking free kicks. Has speed and has played well for Inter and scored as well. Definitely the right choice. Tonali needs a little bit more time and being captain of the U21 will definitely make him grow into an excellent player. Mancio knows what he is doing.