Scaloni insists Dybala’s Argentina call-up unrelated to Roma stay

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insists that Paulo Dybala’s call-up has nothing to do with his decision to stay at Roma and that Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez ‘can play together.’

Roma star Paulo Dybala is among the Serie A stars in the Argentinean squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. The Giallorossi striker was not called up for the Copa America last summer.

Dybala remarkably snubbed a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, but Scaloni said at a press conference that the striker’s transfer decision had nothing to do with his return to the national team.

Scaloni insists Dybala’s Argentina call-up unrelated to Roma stay

“Paulo’s call-up has nothing to do with him staying in Italy,” said the Argentinean coach, as quoted by TyC Sports.

“We consider what each player can give on the pitch. I made this decision considering the team’s needs and because we may need him anytime.”

Argentinean media wondered whether Inter star Lautaro Martinez and new Atletico Madrid signing Julian Alvarez could start together in an attack, and Scaloni had no doubts about the answer.

“I’m going to reply the same way I always have. They’ve already played together, and they can do it again,” he said.

“It depends on how we want to play and the circumstances. It depends on many factors, but they can play together.”

Scaloni also explained the decision to give Lazio striker Valentin Castellanos his first senior call-up.

“He had been included in the preliminary squad many times but never joined,” he said.

“Without Leo [Messi] and Angel [Di Maria], we needed offensive flow and people who are on a good level, and he meets those conditions. He moves well, plays well, and can help us.”