Italy’s national soccer team, commonly referred to as the Azzurri, is gearing up for an anticipated showdown against Germany in the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Head coach Luciano Spalletti recently unveiled his 25-man squad, introducing two young talents, Matteo Ruggeri and Cesare Casadei, for their first call-ups to the team.
Ruggeri, a promising defender from Atalanta, has been making waves this season with his stellar performance, earning a spot in UEFA’s Europa League Team of the Season. His inclusion in the squad comes as a timely solution to the absence of the injured Federico Dimarco. On the other hand, Casadei, a midfielder who recently moved from Chelsea to Torino, brings a fresh perspective to the team, having gained valuable experience during loan spells at Reading and Leicester City.
The Azzurri’s attacking lineup boasts top Serie A scorers, Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean, who have been in exceptional form throughout the season. The team is set to convene at Appiano Gentile, Inter’s training facility, before facing off against Germany at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan on Thursday, followed by a return leg in Dortmund three days later.
Spalletti’s squad list encompasses a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, with the exclusion of all Roma players in this selection. Among the notable returnees are Matteo Politano from Napoli and Mattia Zaccagni, who have made a comeback after extended absences from the team since 2023. The squad is brimming with talent, including standout performers like Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, and Sandro Tonali.
As the Azzurri brace themselves for the high-stakes encounter with Germany, the outcome of these matches will not only determine their qualification for the Nations League finals but also set the course for their journey towards the 2026 World Cup. A victory would place them in a group alongside Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg, while a defeat would pit them against Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova.
The forthcoming double-header against Germany represents a pivotal moment for Italy, offering a glimpse into the team’s future trajectory. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Spalletti’s squad is poised to make a compelling statement on the international stage. As fans eagerly await the showdown between these two footballing powerhouses, the stakes have never been higher for the Azzurri as they seek to etch their mark in the annals of soccer history.