Retegui’s recent scoring run in Saudi Arabia had strengthened his case for a recall, but the report says it was not enough to secure a place in the 34-man group. His omission leaves Italy without a familiar focal point and immediately puts pressure on Mancini’s attacking choices.
Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori, Francesco Esposito, Sebastiano Esposito and Nicolo Zaniolo are reportedly among the alternatives. That variety gives Mancini options, but it also underlines the lack of a settled hierarchy.
The reported call-ups for Michael Kayode, Eddy Kouadio, Samuele Inacio and Mohamed Ali Zoma point to a broad rebuild. Daniel Maldini is also included, adding another technical option in the forward line.
Mancini is not discarding experience altogether. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella are reportedly retained, alongside Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori and Gianluca Scamacca. That balance could prove crucial after Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The reported changes come after a turbulent period for the federation, with Gennaro Gattuso departing and an attempted move for Andrea Pirlo ending amid controversy. Mancini’s task is therefore twofold: restore results and establish a new identity.
Italy are due to begin their Nations League campaign against Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 25 September, before facing Turkey and France. The opening fixture should quickly reveal whether Mancini’s gamble on youth can coexist with his experienced core.
Retegui’s absence, the uncapped players’ readiness and the shape of Italy’s attack will be the first major storylines of this new era.