Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia set to snub Ivory Coast for Italy

Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia is reportedly set to choose Italy over Ivory Coast at senior international level, with the 22-year-old expected to receive his first call-up to the Italian national team.

Doumbia, who was born in Lombardy to Ivorian parents, is eligible to represent both Italy and the Ivory Coast. However, according to reports from Italian transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, the talented midfielder has decided to pursue his international future with the Squadra Azzurra rather than the Elephants.

The decision could see Doumbia take another significant step in his football career, with the midfielder reportedly expected to be included in Italy’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures in September.

Doumbia has already represented Italy at youth level, having worn the shirt of the Italian Under-21 national team. His involvement with the Azzurrini has provided an important pathway towards senior international football and appears to have strengthened his connection with Italy.

The midfielder’s decision is particularly significant given his Ivorian heritage.

Born in Italy to parents from Ivory Coast, Doumbia has always had the possibility of choosing between the country of his birth and the nation of his family’s roots.

The Ivory Coast national team could have offered him the opportunity to represent the Elephants alongside a generation of talented players, but Doumbia is reportedly leaning towards Italy and is now waiting for the opportunity to make his senior debut.

His potential promotion to the Italian senior squad would also reward his development at club level.

Doumbia currently plays for Sporting CP, where he continues to develop his game in Portuguese football. His performances have attracted attention and reportedly convinced Italy’s technical staff to consider him for the senior setup.

At 22, Doumbia remains a young midfielder with considerable room for development, and a senior international call-up could accelerate his progress.

For Italy, bringing Doumbia into the national-team setup would allow the Azzurri to add another young midfield option while also securing the international allegiance of a player eligible to represent another African football powerhouse.

For Ivory Coast, however, his decision would represent a missed opportunity.

The Elephants have increasingly invested in identifying dual-nationality players with Ivorian roots, and Doumbia’s profile would have made him an interesting option for the national team.

His decision to favour Italy means the midfielder could instead begin his senior international journey in European football.

The expected September call-up will therefore be closely watched, particularly if Doumbia is handed his first appearance for the senior Italian side.

Should he make his debut, it would be the culmination of a journey that began with his involvement in Italy’s youth teams and eventually led to consideration for the senior national team.

Doumbia’s situation also highlights the growing importance of dual-nationality players in international football.

Born in Italy but with strong Ivorian roots, the Sporting CP midfielder has had two possible international pathways throughout his career. After representing Italy at Under-21 level, he now appears ready to continue that journey with the senior Azzurri.

For now, the final step remains the official call-up and, ultimately, his senior debut.

But if the reports prove accurate, Issa Doumbia will choose Italy over Ivory Coast and could soon be wearing the famous blue shirt at senior international level.