After inheriting the most prestigious dugout in the country, new Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso will be looking to build a new group capable of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, and at least five Lazio stars are hoping to be included.
The Azzurri are determined to avoid the nightmares of the last two WC editions, as they failed to book their places for both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. And yet, they began their qualifying campaign on a torrid note, succumbing to a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Norway in June.
The Italians rebounded with a routine 2-0 win over Moldova three days later, but Luciano Spalletti’s fate had already been sealed. The former Roma, Inter Milan and Napoli boss was relieved from his duties, and was later replaced by Gattuso who will make his managerial international debut next month.
The former battling midfielder will be making his bow against Estonia in Bergamo, and he will be counting on the support of the passionate Azzurri fans, whether in the Italian peninsula or the rest of the world. Therefore, if you’re planning to support Italy in their upcoming fixture or any other contests from the stands, make sure to bookmark this link.
While the whole nation is anticipating Gattuso’s first squad, five Lazio players will be keen to impress in their early Serie A outings and convince the manager to include them in his selections. So let’s take a closer look at these Biancocelesti stars.
Ivan Provedel
The Lazio goalkeeper has yet to earn his international debut, and at the age of 31, he’s unlikely to ever become a regular starter for his nation. Nevertheless, Provedel was a recurring presence in Italy’s squad before suffering a dip in form last season, so he’ll be hoping that his reunion with Maurizio Sarri will help him regain his spot, albeit it won’t be easy amidst the strong competition.
Alessio Romagnoli
Romagnoli has had a storied career in Serie A, but has only 13 international caps to show for. Nevertheless, Gattuso is familiar with the 30-year-old who played under his tutelage at Milan, which may give him a boost. He could potentially act as an understudy to Alessandro Bastoni.
Nicolo Rovella
Nicolo Rovella has been vying for a place in the squad with the likes of Nicolo Fagioli, Samuele Ricci and Manuel Locatelli. But if he can carry on his excellent form into the new season, Gattuso will likely find him a place in his squad.
Mattia Zaccagni
Thankfully for Zaccagni, he will no longer be impeded by the tactical system, as Gattuso is seemingly planning to rely on wingers. Therefore, the Lazio captain must prove that he remains one of the finest Italian players in his role.
Matteo Cancellieri
Cancellieri would have been an afterthought a few weeks ago, but after cementing himself as Lazio’s standout performer in pre-season, the 23-year-old can no longer be ignored. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to deliver the goods when it matters most.
