Spalletti: ‘Italy looking at Soule and Colpani’

Luciano Spalletti confirms Italy are looking at Monza forward Andrea Colpani and Frosinone’s Argentine-born Matias Soule, who is owned by Juventus.

The Azzurri are forced to field a reshuffled attack against Malta this evening in the EURO 2024 qualifier, as injuries have been piling up.

Just before kick-off, Spalletti spoke to Radio RAI and confirmed he and his staff are looking at alternatives.

“Soule and Colpani are two names we have in our sights. I spoke to one of them, not yet to the other, but we are keeping a close eye on both of them,” said the coach.

“They are doing very well in Serie A and we must give opportunities for those who are pushing to get into the squad and are young.

“Until we get that big push up to this level, we must also maintain the experience and confidence of the more mature players.”

Soule was born and raised in Argentina, but has Italian citizenship and could represent the Azzurri.

He is owned by Juventus and currently on loan at Frosinone to gain more regular playing time, making the most of it with two goals and one assist in six Serie A games.

As for Colpani, the 24-year-old is a product of the Atalanta youth academy and so far this term has four goals in eight Serie A appearances for Monza.

He also has one goal in three caps for Italy at Under-21 level.

Meanwhile, Spalletti also reserved praise for Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi, who is in the starting XI this evening against Malta.

“He has already proved over the years that he is a top player, but it takes time to complete the maturation process. You can see what he is capable of and he has such skill. He just needs to learn how to play for Italy the same way he does for Sassuolo.”