Italy coach Mancini calls up young players for Nations League matches against France and Belgium

Italy coach Roberto Mancini held a press conference at Coverciano ahead of the Nations League matches against France on 12 November and Belgium on 15 November. The first training session with 33 players took place at 15:15 local time.

Mancini said Italy still has a chance to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals after four matches, but warned that the road remains long and much work is still needed.

“We cannot call up players aged 29-30 at this stage, not because his agent says so.”

The coach said he is obliged to look for and call up young players to get to know them directly. He added that young players with good technical qualities are being called up and could become good players in a short time.

Mancini explained that Bernardeschi and Cristante are already known and do not need to be tested, but will be called up when needed. He said the team currently needs other solutions and younger players who must gain experience.

Regarding Calò, Mancini said the Frosinone midfielder is one of many young players doing well at the moment, and that Frosinone has three or four good players. He added that players aged 29-30 cannot be called up at this stage, and not because their agent says so.

Mancini described Palestra as an offensive full-back who could play as a winger in the future, but said for now he is an offensive full-back. He added that Palestra is returning from injury and needs time to regain his best condition.

The coach praised Liberali as a very good player with great qualities and few Serie A appearances, noting he did very well in youth teams. He said several young players at the camp have made a good impression.