Mancini Calls Up 17-Year-Old Como Teenager to Italy Squad Before Club Debut

Roberto Mancini has once again made waves with his Italy squad selection. The 63-year-old coach has included Riccardo Cassano, a 17-year-old Como midfielder, in his 31-man list for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium. What makes the decision surprising: Cassano has not played a single competitive match for Como's senior team.

Italy will face France at San Siro on Thursday, 12 November, then travel to Belgium on Sunday, 15 November. Gli Azzurri currently sit second in Group A with seven points from four matches, three points behind leaders France. Belgium are third with six points, while Turkey have yet to collect any points.

Cassano's call-up has drawn attention because the youngster was only promoted to Como's U21 squad at the start of the 2026-27 season. He also only made his first appearance for Italy U18 last September. Although he joined the senior team's preseason tour, his competitive appearances this season have come only in the Primavera league and the UEFA Youth League.

Mancini's decision is not without precedent. In 2019, he handed Nicolo Zaniolo—who is also in this November's squad—his first caps six months before the midfielder made his competitive debut for Roma. Mancini has taken similar steps with other young players, though rarely one as drastic as Cassano, who has not even broken into his club's first team.

For Cassano, this call-up is a big leap. He has no minutes in Serie A, yet he has been trusted to train and play alongside Italy's senior players. The opportunity could be a springboard into Como's core squad, or it could spark speculation about his future at another club.

"Mancini is known for being bold in taking risks with young players. He does not hesitate to call up anyone deemed to have potential, regardless of their status at their club," said an Italian football observer.

At national team level, the decision also sends a signal that Mancini is building foundations for the future. With two Nations League matches remaining, he may use the opportunity to test new players, including Cassano, before the next major tournament.

However, calling up a player who has not proven himself at club level always draws both support and criticism. Some see the move as recognition of young talent, while others question whether Cassano is ready for the pressure of international matches. Moreover, Italy still have a chance to overtake France at the top of the table if they get positive results in the next two matches.

If Cassano is given the chance to play, he will become one of the youngest players to represent Italy in recent years. However, Mancini may not necessarily field him. It is possible the call-up is purely to give the player valuable experience so he becomes accustomed to the senior national team atmosphere.

What is clear is that Mancini's decision adds to the long list of surprises in the Italy squad. After success at Euro 2020, he has continued to regenerate the team by blending senior and young players. Cassano is just one name worth watching. The Italian public now waits to see whether Mancini's boldness will pay off, or backfire if results do not go as hoped.