Mancini leaves seven Italy players out of Turkey Nations League match

Roberto Mancini has omitted seven players from the Italy squad for their Nations League group-stage match against Turkey.

Italy face Turkey tonight in the fourth round of the competition’s group stage, with Mancini choosing not to include the seven players in his selection for the fixture.

According to Football Italia, the players left out are Massimo Pessina of Bologna, Edo Kwadwo of Monza, Daniele Gilardi of Roma, Diego Coppola of Paris Club, Samuele Ricci of Como, Rolando Mandragora of Torino and Mohamed Ali Zouma of Nurnberg.

The decision comes after Italy drew 1-1 with France in their previous match. Italy currently sit third in the group with four points, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

The meeting with Turkey is therefore significant for both sides as Italy look to strengthen their position in the table and Turkey seek their first points of the campaign.

The fixture also comes amid attention on Zinedine Zidane’s return to the story of Italy meetings. It is described as the France manager’s first match against Italy in 20 years, since the 2006 World Cup final.

That final was Zidane’s last appearance as a player. He was sent off after an incident involving Italy defender Marco Materazzi.

French supporters have prepared a special display for Zidane, with the occasion marking his first match in France in this context. The tribute reflects the significance of the former France captain’s return to a fixture that remains closely associated with the end of his playing career.

Italy’s draw with France means they have collected four points so far, but they remain below the leading teams in the standings. Turkey, meanwhile, have yet to register a point and will be aiming to change their position when the sides meet.

Mancini’s decision to exclude seven members of his squad leaves the Italy manager with a revised group for the fourth-round encounter. The players omitted include representatives of Bologna, Monza, Roma, Paris Club, Como, Torino and Nurnberg.

The outcome will determine whether Italy can move closer to the top of the table or whether Turkey can begin a recovery in the group. With Italy on four points and Turkey still without any, the match carries added importance for both teams.