Roberto Mancini has added Juventus defender Federico Gatti to the Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium. The call-up came late on Saturday evening after the Bianconeri’s Serie A draw at Fiorentina, where Gatti featured in the closing stages. It addresses fresh defensive concerns ahead of the fixtures at San Siro on Thursday and in Brussels on Sunday.
Injuries have struck at an awkward time. Gianluca Mancini missed Roma’s recent game against Sassuolo and is unavailable, while Matteo Palma has already been drafted in as cover. Mancini must also manage a group of eight players sitting on a single yellow card from the first four group matches. A further booking would trigger a suspension, with Bastoni among those at risk of missing the decisive clash in Belgium if cautioned against France.
Gatti offers reliability. The 26-year-old has started every Europa League match for Juventus this season but has been limited to five Serie A appearances, two of them from the start. Mancini first promoted him to the senior side in 2022 and clearly values his composure at the back.
Who starts at the back?
Bastoni and Calafiori remain central to plans, with Gatti likely to provide depth and competition rather than an immediate starting berth. The extra option allows Mancini to rotate without weakening the unit against strong opposition.
France sit top of the group on ten points and will test Italy’s resolve at a sold-out San Siro. Victory there would leave the Azzurri needing only a point in Brussels to secure a quarter-final place. Gatti’s presence strengthens the options for those high-stakes encounters.
What do supporters make of the late addition and its impact on the defensive set-up?
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