Mattia Zaccagni wasn’t called up for the upcoming Euro qualifiers versus England and Malta despite being one of the most prolific Italian forwards in this campaign. He didn’t make the squad even though other options in his role, Federico Chiesa and Giacomo Raspadori, are unavailable due to injury.
According to La Repubblica, Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini hasn’t gotten over the fact that the winger bowed out because of a minor injury last May. The gaffer had selected 30 players for 5 games in short order. The attacker left Coverciano before the opening match. The national team’s doctors believed he could have recovered in a few days.
In addition, Zaccagni was involved in a feud with Nicolò Zaniolo for sentimental reasons in the past. It contributed to his exclusions to avoid unnecessary tensions inside the squad. Mancini was diplomatic on the Lazio ace in his opening presser (via Quotidiano Nazionale).
“He’s playing well, and he’ll return if he keeps it up.”
His agent Mario Giuffredi, who also represents Nicolò Casale, commented to Tuttomercatoweb.
“We have to accept the decisions of the manager. He’s surely following them attentively. If they keep working hard, they’ll coronate their dream of playing with the Azzurri. If there were any misunderstandings in the past, I’d like them to clear the air.”
Sans Zaccagni, Italy will lean on Domenico Berardi, Wilfried Gnonto, Vincenzo Grifo, Matteo Politano, and Simone Pafundi on the flanks. Mancini also didn’t call up Manuel Locatelli, who’s usually a regular and has been very solid lately.
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