Report: Mancini Set to Name 35-Man Italy Squad

Roberto Mancini looks set to call up as many as 35 players for his first squad since returning as Italy boss, according to leaked details reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It's been more than eight years since Mancini first took charge of Italy back in May 2018. Now he's back for a second spell, and the timing means a packed schedule. Italy have four Nations League games to play in just 11 days, which explains why the squad list is expected to be so big.

The Azzurri start with Belgium at home in Rome on September 25. After that, they travel to face Turkey and then France, before finishing the block by hosting Turkey again, this time in Bologna.

New Faces Could Make Their Debuts

A few uncapped players are reportedly in line for a first call up, including Romano, Zoma and Samuel Inacio. Doumbia and Ahanor are also being talked about as possible additions. In goal, Bologna's Pessina might get a look in alongside the more established trio of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi and Guglielmo Vicario.

Romano's recent form has apparently caught Mancini's eye, and with Italy short on options through the middle, he could get his chance. Up front, Germany based forward Zoma is being tipped to add some width to an attack that's been missing it.

Old Faces Expected to Stick Around Too

It's not just about the new names though. Several players from Italy's Euro 2020 winning squad are expected to be involved again, including Nicolo Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Bryan Cristante and Alessandro Bastoni. There's also talk that Federico Bernardeschi and Rolando Mandragora could earn surprise recalls.

On the injury front, Italy will be without Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Zaniolo, Manuel Locatelli and Alessandro Buongiorno, all of whom are currently sidelined. Mateo Retegui is still on holiday in Argentina but could be brought in if needed.

Under 21 Stars Left Out For Now

Mancini has decided not to go for a complete overhaul just yet, mainly to avoid weakening Italy's Under 21 side. That means young talents like Cher Ndour, Niccolo Pisilli and Luca Koleosho will stay put with Bernardo Baldini's Under 21 squad as they push through important European qualifiers.

How Mancini rotates his squad over the coming weeks could matter a lot. Italy are aiming to finish in the top two of their Nations League group to reach the quarter finals, and these results will also affect how they're seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw in Belfast.