Mohamed Ali Zoma receives first Italy call-up as Burkina Faso hopes end

Mohamed Ali Zoma has been included in Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for the national team’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The 22-year-old winger, who was born in Merate and plays for FC Nuremberg, has been called up by the Squadra Azzurra for the first time.

Zoma’s selection confirms his decision to represent Italy, the country of his birth and where he began his football training.

The winger, whose father is from Burkina Faso and whose mother is from Ivory Coast, had been monitored by all three national teams.

His first Italy call-up therefore closes the possibility of him representing Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast at international level.

“Because I was born in Italy and also started playing football there, a childhood dream has come true for me today,” Zoma said.

“It is a great honour to represent Italy as an international player and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”