Fagioli: ‘My greatest Italy dream is to play at World Cup’

Fagioli: ‘My greatest Italy dream is to play at World Cup’ Nicolò Fagioli admits he ‘didn’t expect’ an Italy recall after two years and his ‘greatest dream’ is to play at the World Cup, now that he has gained in confidence and maturity. The 25-year-old had not even received a call-up since the 4-1 win over Israel in October 2024, but was thrown into the starting XI for Monday’s 4-1 victory in Turkiye. That impressive performance could potentially put him in the running to feature against France on Friday, as the Nations League Group A fixtures continue. Fagioli relishing Italy opportunity BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Italy pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) “Facing a France side full of champions and with Zinedine Zidane on the touchline will be an indescribable emotion,” Fagioli told RAI Sport. “It’s a wonderful challenge for all of us, really putting us to the test, because we have to prove what we can do on the pitch.” This represents a return to international duty for the midfielder, who moved to Fiorentina in January 2025 from Juventus. “I didn’t expect this call-up, but I really hoped for it. My biggest dream is to go to the World Cup with Italy.” VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 11: Enrique Pere of Venezia FC competes for the ball with Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 11, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) His career was almost sent off track by an addiction to online gambling, which prompted him to hand himself in and accept an eight-month ban in 2023. “I have matured a great deal, I feel more sure of myself, more ready to step up in some situations, and more determined in others, even if I remain quite a sensitive guy and I consider a certain fragility to be a quality. “I knew that I needed to improve in some respects, and I have done, so now I feel confident that I can do well.” EMPOLI, ITALY – JUNE 09: Nicolo Fagioli of Italy in action during an International Friendly between Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on June 09, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) The Italy performance against Turkiye was night and day from the one a few days earlier in that 2-0 defeat to Belgium. “It was important to bring home a result, both for the table and to boost our confidence. It hadn’t gone well against Belgium, even if there was a good reaction after the break,” added Fagioli. CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in that match and received some criticism, but Fagioli rushed to his defence. “Social media loves to celebrate when you are doing well and then smash you back down at the first mistake. Romano was unlucky that a misplaced pass sparked the counter-attack for the goal, but these things happen all the time in football, and it will happen many more times in future. “Romano is young, he will improve, and is a great lad. He mustn’t worry, the whole team is behind him. We can’t control what people say outside, but it’s not important to us anyway.”