Sandro Tonali is back in the fold for the Italian national team. The Newcastle midfielder, who served a 10-month ban for gambling on matches involving his former clubs AC Milan and Brescia, has been called up by coach Luciano Spalletti for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
This return comes as a welcome boost for Italy as they prepare to face France and Israel in the Nations League. Spalletti has also injected some fresh blood into the squad, handing first call-ups to Leicester defender Caleb Okoli and Atalanta midfielder Marco Brescianini.
However, there is a notable absentee in the form of key midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is missing due to a sinus issue.
Another familiar face back in the squad is Fiorentina forward Moise Kean, who returns to the national team after a near-year absence.
Italy’s upcoming Nations League matches are crucial as they look to rebound from a disappointing European Championship campaign where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Switzerland. The Azzurri will face France next Friday, followed by a clash against Israel in Budapest three days later.
Tonali’s absence during the Euros was a significant loss for Italy, as he was banned due to his gambling transgression. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who also received a ban for betting, returned for the Euros and remains in the team.
Italy’s squad for the Nations League matches is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham).
Defenders:
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Caleb Okoli (Leicester), Destiny Udogie (Tottenham).
Midfielders:
Marco Brescianini (Atalanta), Nicolo Fagioli (Juventus), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
