It’s never easy to be a national team coach. Ahead of every international break or tournament you have to make new selections, and with a large pool of talent to choose from, some deserving players will be overlooked no matter how hard you try to include the best players at your disposal. Fresh from a triumphant Euro 2020 campaign, Roberto Mancini opted to maintain his tried and trusted stars for the UEFA Nations League finals, but he left out some of the finest talents in Italy in the process.
So let’s try to create a formation out of the best players who were not included in the squad. The selected players will be those who were left out despite their availability. Thus, injured players won’t be considered.
Goalkeepers
Selected: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Genoa)
It’s hard to argue against the chosen trio which is composed of a world class goalkeeper, a reliable veteran and an up-and-coming shot-stopper.
But if we have to choose an alternative, than it would probably be Alessio Cragno, despite the fact that his Cagliari are currently rock-bottom in the Serie A table.
Defenders
Selected: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Lyon), Davide Calabria (Milan), Federico Dimarco (Inter)
Despite Rafael Toloi’s injury, Gianluca Mancini was once again left out. The Roma man has been a key member in the Giallorossi backline, and it remains unclear why he’s being left out repeatedly on the big occasions for Italy.
Alessio Romangoli might be having tough times at Milan recently, but he remains a decent option at the back.
Manuel Lazzari is one of the most explosive wingbacks in Serie A, but perhaps he gets overlooked in favor of more natural fullbacks. The same can be said about Atalanta’s Davide Zappacosta who can play formidably either on the right or the left flank.
Mancini Changes His Mind and Calls Up Dimarco over Tonali https://t.co/SGtz1LNwOP pic.twitter.com/u4aMDLa3K1
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) October 5, 2021
Midfielders
Selected: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)
Despite his recent exploits, Sandro Tonali was left out from the formation altogether, even following the injury of Matteo Pessina. The excessively talented group at Mancini’s disposal explains why the youngster’s services weren’t needed, but he’ll surely get his chance sooner or later.
Giacomo Bonaventura became a forgotten man following his move to Fiorentina last season, but with the Viola finding their feet again under Vincenzo Italiano, the veteran is regaining his best form, and his experience can always be useful.
Nicolò Zaniolo was another young talent who was disappointed after being left out from the Italy squad. The Roma star operates on the right wing nowadays, but he can also play as a Mezzala.
⚫? #Tonali and The Lesson Of Patience >> How The #Milan Man Regained His Golden Boy Status. ??#SerieA #ACMilan #football #italy #SerieATIM https://t.co/ojrGmH8wqj
— Michel Sakr (@Michel_Calcio) October 5, 2021
Attackers
Selected: Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Moise Kean (Juventus), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)
Despite missing out on a callup yet again, Matteo Politano remains one of the most exciting wingers in Serie A, one who perhaps deserve more minutes with the Azzurri.
He might not be a household name, but Gianluca Caprari has been on a terrific form since making the move to Verona this summer. It he continues to deliver the goods, he won’t be overlooked for too long.
Finally, a natural fox in the box is always a pleasant addition to the squad, and the experienced Francesco Caputo remains in the discussion despite a relatively slow start to life at Sampdoria.
The Best XI of Serie A Round 7: Verona Trio Produce Big Win https://t.co/GqRANdDCeq pic.twitter.com/uB5AexdAHY
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) October 4, 2021
The Best Left Out XI
Cragno (Cagliari); Lazzari (Lazio), Mancini (Roma), Romagnoli (Milan), Zappacosta (Atalanta); Zaniolo (Roma), Tonali (Milan), Bonaventura (Fiorentina); Politano (Napoli), Caputo (Sampdoria), Caprari (Verona)
Read More – Mancini Coy about Lineup ahead Nations League Clash with Spain