Nicolo Barella Returns To Italy's Nations League Squad Amid Injury Concerns

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Luciano Spalletti has adjusted his Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Belgium and France. Italy leads Group A2 by one point after four games. A victory over Belgium next week will secure their spot in the quarter-finals. Spalletti has recalled Inter's Nicolo Barella, who missed October's matches due to nose surgery.

Despite Barella's return, Italy will miss defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Gabbia. Calafiori sustained a knee injury during Arsenal's Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Meanwhile, Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli are also absent from the squad.

Fiorentina's Pietro Comuzzo, Juventus' Nicolo Savona, and Lazio's Nicolo Rovella have been called up for the first time. These players bring fresh talent to the team as they prepare for crucial matches.

Barella has been impressive in Serie A this season, with only Alessandro Bastoni, Matteo Darmian, and Marcus Thuram having more successful duels at Inter. His presence is expected to strengthen Italy's midfield as they aim for victory against Belgium.

The full Italy squad includes goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham), and Alex Meret (Napoli). Defenders include Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Caleb Okoli (Leicester City), Nicolo Savona (Juventus), and Destiny Udogie (Tottenham).

Midfielders and Forwards

In midfield, alongside Barella, are Davide Frattesi (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino), Nicolo Rovella (Lazio), and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle). The forward line features Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Daniel Maldini (Monza), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), and Mateo Retegui (Atalanta).

Spalletti's selections reflect a mix of experience and new talent as Italy aims to maintain their lead in Group A2. The upcoming matches are crucial for securing a place in the competition's next stage.