Italy CT Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out a call-up for Brazil-born Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli. “We need to wait...”
Martinelli only joined Arsenal over the summer but has already made an impact for the Gunners, with four goals in his first appearances.
It has since emerged that the 18-year-old has an Italian passport, and Goal.com reports the FIGC is looking into the prospect of calling him up.
“The lads have improved, Coaches are focusing on them in various Leagues and they can have a great future,” Mancini said at a Press conference for Euro 2020 qualifiers with Greece and Liechtenstein.
“As for De Rossi, we decided Buffon would be called up for the game in Turin against Netherlands. We were pleased to give our key players another chance to salute the fans.
“We planned on doing it with De Rossi too, but he’s injured. He hasn’t played for several weeks so we’ll see if there’s a possibility further down the line.”
The Azzurri are also without Stefano Sensi and possibly Alessandro Florenzi...
“We’ll see tomorrow if and how to replace them. We’ve called an extra player on the right, Di Lorenzo, because he deserved it.
“We’ll make assessments in midfield. We’ll certainly call up Tonali after the first game, which he’ll play with the Under-21s.
“It was already decided. I don’t know if we’ll call up someone else. We’ll do it only if there are other unforeseen events.
“Insigne and Bernardeschi are crucial. We hope they keep playing in the League. As for Martinelli, it’s not so easy to apply to play for Italy.
“We need to wait for players with two passports. In the meantime, we’ll continue to exchange Immobile with Belotti.
“It’s right to rest one of them and let the other play. As for Mario, I must say that physically he wasn’t very fit.
“He’s returned after months: he did well against Napoli but needs to play more games. Having said that, I have talked to him.
“One year ago we were in great difficulty. Now we’ve put together a good team in 15 months. We’re happy with where we are. After that, anyone can say what they want...
“I wanted a group with Germany, France, Spain and Netherlands, but it wasn’t given to us!”
mupbceip
0
I am a brazil fan there isnt anyone at his age thats good as him, brazil needs him for the future
dupeinpsz
0
Brazil too much players go to italy
Edoo87
5
it's not Italy its Brazilian B team
Edoo87
3
please Brazil save him
sudlmnotyz
5
jorginho...emerson... now martinelli... italy should change their name to Brasil B Team
Bocciklno
0
Who would quit Brazil the Samba home for Italy the country equivalent of Manchester United?🙄
many are doing it many Brazilians players have played for Italian national team, like this one in Chelsea and many what the former juventus midfielder Mauro camoranesi Serra, do you know about thiago Motta, thiaga alcantara,and many more
didadinors
1
wha ? Is this a holdup or something?
nueelnprtu
6
hey just leave him he is 1000%brazilian u can't get him he his our boy he is going to represent neymar be is neymar successor!
yuaaior
0
“I wanted a group with Germany, France, Spain and Netherlands, but it wasn’t given to us!” if this happens this will be your countenance
[image]
poda
Mikedel
3
“I wanted a group with Germany, France, Spain and Netherlands, but it wasn’t given to us!” if this happens this will be your countenance
kawal123
2
velverde out.
kizikorie
6
Who would quit Brazil the Samba home for Italy the country equivalent of Manchester United?🙄
kartikey11
2
mancini great coach.