According to Corriere dello Sport, of the 34 players called up by Mancini, 9 are making their senior debut, marking a new era of courage and innovation for the Italian national team.

Without the interim management of Baldini and the influence he exerted on the national team in June, Mancini's second term would not have begun with such boldness and innovation. Three months ago, Italy won in Luxembourg and Greece, with Silvio Baldini introducing 15 new players to the national team. This new Italian squad was born from the foundation Baldini created. He should have continued leading the national team, but he has always carried the label of "anti-establishment" because he openly stated: "Our football is in the hands of administrators who care only about their interests, not the development of the game. Some prefer to sign older players rather than young ones because it's easier for them to pursue personal gain. I've always said these things. I like to call them scoundrels, and these people often control how the game operates."

The outcome is well documented. Following well-publicized turmoil at the Football Federation, the choice of coach wavered between Conte and Pirlo, ultimately leading Gravina to select the 2021 European champion, Mancini. Coincidentally, when Mancini announced his squad for the four Nations League matches on social media, a banner commemorating the Wembley championship hung behind him.

Of the 34 players called up by Mancini, 9 are making their senior debuts: Pessina, Giliardi, Kayode, Cuadrado, Alessandro Romanò, Issa Dumbbia, Sebastiano Esposito, Vergara, and Zuma. Had Italy U21 not had the UEFA Euro 2027 qualifying playoff in Pescara on October 5, Pisilli, Favasuli, and Cireşeşu would also have joined the senior squad. In defense, 18-year-old Ahannu, who has already earned 2 caps for U21 under Baldini, and Kayode, with 10 U21 caps. In midfield, Dumbbia, with 3 U21 caps; and in attack, Ignazio, who was also among the 15 new players initially introduced by Baldini.

The Italian team faces a demanding schedule in the Nations League. The team has missed the World Cup for 12 consecutive years, had 5 coaches in 5 years (Mancini, Spalletti, Gattuso, Baldini, Mancini), and its FIFA ranking has dropped to 15th place. In the next 10 days, Italy will play against Belgium under Van Bommel (September 25, Rome), Turkey under Montella (September 28, Bursa), France under Zidane (October 2, Paris), and then face Turkey again (October 5, Bologna).

They must demonstrate sufficient courage, determination, and honour to avoid further decline in autumn after hitting rock bottom in spring. Italy's willingness to take innovative steps from the outset is already good news, particularly given the long recovery road ahead for the team. On the pitch, they must also demonstrate substance, determination, and honour. If anyone at Coverciano again uses minor injuries and stomach discomfort as excuses, as Spalletti once mentioned, that person should no longer set foot in the national team headquarters.

Переведено ИИ.

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