In the second part of his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy coach Roberto Mancini named a few players who could receive a call up for the World Cup play-offs in March, including Nicolò Zaniolo and Leonardo Spinazzola.
Spinazzola sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the Euro 2020 quarter-finals against Belgium.
He was one of the best players in the competition and was named in the team of the tournament as the best left-back.
“He is a crucial player for us,” Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He can attack and defend really well. However, he is a bit behind in his recovery plan and we are confident that he will return to action in February.”
The CT admitted that Italy wasted many chances during the World Cup qualification group but believes the Azzurri will qualify for Qatar 2022.
“I don’t think about Portugal,” admitted Mancini.
“I think about North Macedonia. Anything can happen in single-leg games.”
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Italy have been struggling with scoring goals lately and there are a few additions he could make during the play-offs in March. Among them, Sassuolo‘s Gianluca Scamacca or Roma starlet Nicolò Zaniolo.
“He can give a lot, to his club and the national team,” said Mancini.
“It’s all up to him now. It all depends on his physical condition and his consistency.
“To me, his perfect role is attacking Mezzala, which is what he is doing. He can attack and defend. Surely, he is not a winger. He can be devastating with central attacking.
“Scamacca has everything to become a complete striker,” Mancini continued.
“He scored in every way, he is a complete striker. We spoke a lot during the last training retreat and I told him where he could get with his qualities.
“It’s the same as Zaniolo, it’s up to him now. He is young and he must play consistently. He can improve so much.”
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Is Joao Pedro really an option for the Azzurri?
“We didn’t ask Joao Pedro to become Italian. He got married to an Italian girl, so he has dual citizenship,” said Mancini.
“He has great qualities, but he must deserve a call-up by playing well. Don’t forget that the number of Italian players available has tightened over the last few years. It’s 35% now, so there are fewer options for the national team.
“I haven’t spoken to Joao Pedro and I don’t know if somebody from the federation has called him. We’ll see who is available in March.”
Mancini’s friend and assistant Gianluca Vialli revealed last week that he is still fighting against cancer.
“He is an inspiration to us. He gives his strength to all of us,” said Mancini.
“He gave us a lot during the Euros and he will give us so much to get to the World Cup. We’ll fight for him.”