Italy manager Roberto Mancini has left 10 players out of his matchday squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey, opting to rest several key starters following a 2–0 defeat to Belgium.
Squad Management and Training Decisions
The Italian national team travel to face Turkey for their second match of the Nations League campaign without nearly a dozen players from the broader setup. Nicolo Barella, Diego Coppola, and Gianluca Mancini, all of whom started against Belgium, remain at the Coverciano training center to manage their workload.
Seven additional players were also left off the travel roster: Honest Ahanor, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio, Daniel Maldini, Massimo Pessina, Samuele Ricci, and Mohamed Ali Zoma. For Pessina, Kouadio, Ricci, and Inacio, the fixture marks a second omission after missing the opening loss to the Red Devils.
Squad Adjustments Ahead of France Fixture
The coaching staff’s decision to trim the squad reflects an eye toward upcoming fixtures, notably an upcoming match against France scheduled for the following Friday. By leaving multiple starters behind at Coverciano, the technical staff aims to preserve player fitness.
Despite the omissions, Mancini welcomes back Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni. Bastoni has completed a suspension incurred following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, making him immediately available for selection against Turkey.
Match Context and Group Standing
The fixture against Turkey comes as Italy looks to recover from a slow start in the Nations League group stage following the 2–0 reverse against Belgium. With roster rotation in full effect, Italy must balance immediate competitive demands in Istanbul with long-term squad management as they prepare to meet France.
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