(Reuters) – Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said on Monday that he requested permission from the national federation before including Nicolo Zaniolo in their latest Euro 2024 squad. Zaniolo is under investigation for alleged illegal betting activity, but Spalletti maintains Zaniolo had nothing to do with it. However, Spalletti did not include Zaniolo in the previous round of international games.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) gave the all-clear for Zaniolo to be called up on Friday for the crucial Group C qualifying games at home to North Macedonia on Nov. 17 and away to Ukraine three days later. Italy can secure a place at next year’s Euros if they win against North Macedonia and avoid defeat to Ukraine.
Spalletti assured the press that he had spoken to the President and the federation before including Zaniolo in the squad, and there were no objections raised. The player was allowed to leave the squad last month before the qualifiers versus Malta and England to cooperate with the investigation. His Premier League club confirmed his cooperation with the Italian Football Federation and relevant authorities.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, who was also involved in the investigation, has since been banned for 10 months, while Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli accepted a seven-month ban for breaching rules on betting on matches. Fagioli has made one appearance for Italy but was not in the squad for the previous round of international games.
Spalletti also mentioned that he had sent Manuel Locatelli home after the midfielder was injured in training. Tottenham Hotspur left back Destiny Udogie was also left out due to injury. Spalletti acknowledged Udogie’s strengths but confirmed that he is still struggling with a muscle injury he picked up last month.
“If we win the first game, it gives an advantage for the second match,” Spalletti added on Monday. “So we must focus on the upcoming fixture (against North Macedonia). I don’t make my assessments thinking about two games. Of course, we’ll make changes, but we take one step at a time.”
Italy currently sits in third place in the Group C qualifying games with 10 points, while England leads the table with 16 points from six games. Ukraine follows with 13 points but have played seven games. (Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)
