Out of all the group members currently training at the Tirrenia Olympic Training Centre, Alessandro Zanoli is the only new face. After being called up by Roberto Mancini to take part in the training camp for promising young players, he was named in the Under-21 National Team squad for the first time. After coming through Carpi’s youth ranks, he joined Napoli, where he broke into the Primavera team. After a loan spell at Legnago, he became part of the first-team setup at the Partenopei.

He’s been training with the Azzurrini since yesterday: “I was really aiming for this call-up,” said Zanoli. “It was one of my goals. Now I’ve achieved it, I’d like to say that I’m pleased and honoured to wear this shirt. This is a great and tight-knit group made up of fantastic lads who have welcomed me with open arms. I’m aware of the importance of this moment; we know that we have to make the most of the opportunities that we are given. If I get a chance, I’ll try to do this.”

He has objectives at club level too. In the season just gone, he made his Serie A debut on 20 September 2021 and played his first UEFA Europa League match in November. Following Di Lorenzo’s injury, he became a starter and eventually played a total of 13 games in 2021/22. “I’d like to stay at Napoli, but this doesn’t just depend on me. Coach Spalletti showed his faith in me and, in general, really believes in youngsters. You just need to show him what you’re all about in training; then, he’ll be brave enough to send you onto the pitch, as he did with me.”

The Azzurrini are holding a double session today and will continue to do this until Friday. On Saturday, the team will train in the morning before heading to Differdange late in the afternoon. Here, they’ll face Luxembourg at 18:00 CEST on Monday 6 June at the Stade Municipal, while they’ll then head to Helsingborg to face Sweden on 9 June. After this, Nicolato’s side will return to Italy ahead of their match – their final group fixture – against the Republic of Ireland in Ascoli on 14 June.