Diego Coppola’s season at Paris FC has taken an international turn. The defender has been recalled by Italy as Roberto Mancini begins his second spell in charge with a sweeping 34-man squad for the opening four Nations League fixtures, including the meeting with France on 2 October.
Coppola returns to the Azzurri setup 18 months after his only two senior appearances. The Paris FC player is part of a notably expanded selection intended to give Mancini room to reshape the group after his return as Italy coach during the summer.
A broad reset for Mancini
Nine players have received a first senior call-up. Among them are Monza’s 20-year-old defender Eddie Kouadio, Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old Samuele Inacio and Nuremberg midfielder Mohamed Ali Zoma, 22. Their inclusions underline the coach’s readiness to bring younger players into the national picture immediately.
There is no place, however, for Luca Koleosho. Mateo Retegui is also absent despite carrying considerable experience within the squad, having scored 11 goals across 30 Italy caps. The Argentine-born striker had become a key figure during Mancini’s previous tenure, and his omission is one of the clearest signs of a changing hierarchy.
Retegui has started strongly in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored four times in seven league matches, but that form has not been enough to secure a place in this first squad under the returning coach.
Daniel Maldini has been selected despite recent events off the pitch. The Cagliari player had his driving licence suspended after a car accident in Milan, having been found above the legal alcohol limit. Mancini has nevertheless included him as Italy prepare for a demanding Nations League start, with France among the early tests.
