Italy is back on the road with a clear and urgent goal: to get the pass to the 2026 World Cup and leave the wounds of the recent past behind. The Azzurri's journey towards the World Cup begins with two matches that already promise important answers: it begins on Friday 6 June in Oslo against Norway and continues on Monday 9 June in Reggio Emilia against Moldova. Luciano Spalletti breaks the ice and formalizes the 27 players called up who will open the new chapter of the National team, inserted in a Group I completed by Estonia and Israel.
There is a desire for novelty, but also for certainties. Spalletti does not give up on experience, but sends strong signals: the first call for Diego Coppola, a young defender from Verona, who until now has been a key player in Carmine Nunziata's Under 21 team, stands out in the list. A leap that rewards growth and personality, but also the need for renewal. Davide Zappacosta returns to wear the Azzurro, three and a half years after his last appearance, Riccardo Orsolini and Francesco Acerbi, reunited after their respective absences.
The group also includes six players who will reach Coverciano late, because they are busy on Saturday evening in the Champions League final: these are the Inter players Acerbi, Barella, Bastoni, Dimarco, Frattesi and the PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The first group will meet on Saturday 31 May at the Federal Technical Center, with the aim of preparing as best as possible for the first two matches that could determine qualification.
There is also a lot of Naples in the new Italy: Meret between the posts, Di Lorenzo and Good morning in defense, Raspadori in attack. All fresh from the triumph in the championship, all ready to bring that same spirit back to the blue. Also present were the two European faces of Tottenham, Vicario and Udogie, fresh winners of the Europa League, a sign that Italy is also looking carefully at those who have been able to assert themselves outside the borders.
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Italy needs a good performance in these games. Spalletti seems to have clear ideas, but it will be interesting to see if new players like Coppola can make the difference in the group. There are many expectations.