Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a leader, the historical rise of Pio Esposito: Key takeaways from the Azzurri’s international window

Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a leader, the historical rise of Pio Esposito: Key takeaways from the Azzurri’s international window After so much drama within the Azzurri camp following the decision to not sign Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the Italian national team, Paolo Maldini resigning as sporting director of Italy following the Italian federation’s decision to not go through with one of his main candidates to lead the squad, and the re-hiring of Roberto Mancini as coach following the sacking of the former Manchester City boss after missing out of the 2022 World Cup, only six months after winning the Euro 2020, there was so much anticipation heading into the first international window of the season. A lot of question marks and concerns were raised if Italy can rebuild the structure and identity of the squad in preparation of Euro 2028 after having not qualified for three consecutive world cups for the first time within their history (2022, 2024, and most recently 2026). Despite a rude awakening in the opening fixture of the Nations League against Belgium in which the Azzurri lost 2-0 on home soil, coach Roberto Mancini’s men responded well as they drew level to France 1-1 at the Stade de France, as well as completing the double against Türkiye with a combined aggregate score-line of 7-2 across both fixtures. Whilst there was plenty of positives to to gather from coach Roberto Mancini’s first international window following his return to the Azzurri, here are several key takeaways we have gathered across all four games throughout the first three weeks of the Italian tactician at the helm of the squad for the first time in four years. Mancini shows no fear in experimenting with the youth Roberto Mancini sent a signal across the nation indicating that no one’s spot is guaranteed within the starting eleven as he called up a total of nine new faces into the roster, demonstrating his desire to see the rising stars in action and that he is seeking to identify a group of players that could shed light upon the future of the Azzurri. Hence, a lot of young players seized their opportunity and took advantage to showcase their ability as we witnessed a handful of impressive displays. Within the back-line, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini has been rock-solid in the back four along-side Alessandro Bastoni, proving to provide immense quality and stability when he is healthy. In addition, Brentford full-back Michael Kayode was remarkable along the flanks with his blistering speed and strong technical ability, snatching a superb goal on his debut. In midfield, Sporting’s Issa Doumbia proved to be very mature with his strong physical presence breaking up the plays and his immaculate passing ability. Furthermore, Cagliari rising star Alessandro Romano remained composed on the ball and slotted very well in the middle of the park, collecting his first assist on the final match-week prior to the end of the break. In attack of course, Pio Esposito rose to the occasion, scoring a brace and providing an assist across all four matches, proving to be fundamental as the focal point of the Azzurri attack. Through switching the formation into a 4-3-3 whilst integrating many young talents, Mancini has demonstrated to the nation that the Italian national team is eager to improve their future prospects and that typical regulars, such as Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco to name a few, can easily lose their starting spot if they do not deliver consistently. Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a leader Following the controversial red card dilemma involving Pierre Kalulu having been sent off for Juventus in the Derby D’Italia last season, as well as having been sent off against Bosnia for a horrific tackle in a crucial World Cup qualifying playoff match, Inter central defender Alessandro Bastoni underwent a difficult period mentally as he was constantly scrutinized by the media as they claimed he should never be called up for the national team ever again, ultimately leaving Christian Chivu no choice but to side-line the 26 year-old as the entire situation was evidently affecting his performances on the pitch. However, the Nerazzurri defender proved to be resilient as he marshalled the back-four in fine fashion and underwent a resurgence, scoring two goals throughout the international window, one them permitting Italy to share spoils with France on away soil. Bastoni has put on consistent performances, demonstrating his leadership abilities and can be assumed as a pillar for coach Mancini within his project as they aspire to qualify for Euro 2028. The historical rise of Pio Esposito Despite having only made his Azzurri debut nearly one year ago, Pio Espostio has consistenly proven that he truly merits a spot within the Italian national team, amassing 3 goal contributions across all four games through his immense physicality and ruthless finishing the final third. It is difficult not to argue that we may be witnessing the development of a future historical talent as the Nerazzurri academy graduate is the second player at the age of 21 and under to tally 7 goals in 13 games-played, level with the legend of the Beneamata, Giuseppe Meazza. Moreover, Pio Esposito’s 7 goals-scored in only 13 appearances has put the 21-year-old marksman ahead of several Italian legends at the same stage of their careers such as Roberto Baggio who amassed 5 goals, as well as Alessandro Del Piero with 6 goals in 13 games, showing a great deal of promise very early on. Julian Faustini – GIFN