Even after injuries piled up, Italy coach Roberto Mancini called Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria, reportedly surprising Roma star Nicolò Zaniolo with this snub.
The Azzurri will face England on Friday and then conclude the Nations League group stage away to Hungary next Monday.
Mancini called up his squad and did not include Zaniolo, also leaving the talent out after Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matteo Politano injuries.
Instead, Sampdoria veteran Gabbiadini was recalled for the first time in five years.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Zaniolo was surprised that he was not called in even as a replacement, especially with Gabbiadini ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport insist Mancini has been clear that he won’t call Zaniolo right now because the player only just made his comeback from a month out with a dislocated shoulder.
Roma also have a packed fixture list between Serie A and the Europa League, so Mancini is eager not to over-work Zaniolo.
man needs to be fully fit to get into mancini side, focus kid
If national team needs a diver he will get his chance.
Not surprised because he’s not a team player, only plays for himself. Mancini has already made that known to him