Roberto Mancini wasted no time launching his fight away from the pitch. Ever since he took over the Italian national team, he set himself one clear mission, to stop rival national teams from swooping in on young players with dual nationality before they could become part of the Azzurri project.
According to the French website Foot Mercato, Italy have already moved to secure several youngsters who hold other international options. The whole strategy is about identifying these players early and gradually integrating them into the national team setup in the years ahead.
There is no shortage of targets. Right at the top of the list is Samuele Inacio, who has drawn attention from Brazil, and Issa Doumbia, whom Ivory Coast are eager to commit, as well as Alessandro Romano, a player Switzerland had been tracking.
Mancini also handed a call-up to Mohamed Ali Zouma, who was eligible to represent either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso. The move makes it clear that he wants to move fast, long before these players settle on which country they will play for.
Foot Mercato confirmed that none of this is happening by chance. The Italian coach has put together a well thought out plan, searching for players who can fit straight into the national team project while making sure no promising talent drifts away to a competitor.
We do not want to lose talents
Mancini stood by his decision to call up so many young players, stressing that the main purpose is to observe them up close and figure out whether they can remain part of the squad over the next four years.
The Italian coach said that had he called up older players, he would have faced criticism. He opted for youngsters because it is essential to get to know them properly in order to shape a successful team down the road.
He went on to explain that they need to identify the players capable of staying with the team for the next four years as soon as possible, which is why he brought in a larger group than usual, so he could watch them in action.
His worries about young Italian talent being lured by other national teams are well known. Rather than complaining, he believes the answer is to act quickly, find these players, and secure their commitment before their international future is decided elsewhere.
He pointed out that they cannot simply complain when young players move to foreign clubs. The solution is to search for them and select them quickly, particularly to avoid losing players with dual nationality.
Zouma earned a mention as well. Mancini noted that the player has joined the German second division, which he described as an excellent league, adding that Zouma is performing well and they hope his form continues.
Next on his radar is Nicolo Tresoldi. Mancini is hoping to convince the young striker to choose the Azzurri, even though Tresoldi is still in Germany’s plans at under-21 level.
The race for nationality has clearly kicked off early. Mancini has placed dual nationality talents at the very top of his agenda, building a young core for Italy while shutting the door on his rivals before it is too late.
