The squad was confirmed to FIFA today for the Under-17 World Cup. Out of the 21 Azzurrini called up by Carmine Nunziata, all were born in 2002 apart from the two underage players born in 2003. They are Atalanta midfielder Samuele Giovane and Inter’s Wilfried Gnonto who has been named in the squad for the first time. Inter are the most-represented side with five players ahead of Atalanta on three.

“We’re sorry that Esposito couldn’t come with us,” announced Nunziata. “Unfortunately, circumstances out of everyone’s control ruled him out despite the great cooperation shown by Inter so far. Sebastiano has always been a leader for this side, both technically and with his presence in the dressing room.” Nunziata was also disappointed for the other players who can’t make the journey. “I’m always sorry to go without the guys who have helped on this journey and I’ll never stop thanking them. This is the task of every coach though and you have to make choices with 21 places available.”

Italy will gather on 20 October in Venice before flying to Brazil and the Azzurrini are in Group F. The first match will be on Monday 28th October at 21:00 CET against the Solomon Islands before they play Mexico three days later on Thursday 31st October at 24:00 CET. The final match in the group will be against Paraguay on Sunday 3rd November at 24:00 CET.

All of these matches will be at the Estadio Bezerrao in the Gaza Federal District. There are six groups in total with the top two sides from each group making the last 16 along with the four best third-place teams making the last 16. Click here for the schedule.

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Manuel Gasparini (Udinese), Marco Molla (Bologna), Filippo Rinaldi (Parma);
Defenders: Christian Dalle Mura (Fiorentina), Francesco Lamanna (Cremonese), Lorenzo Moretti (Inter), Alessandro Pio Riccio (Juventus), Matteo Ruggeri (Atalanta), Lorenzo Pirola (Inter), Destiny Udogie Iyenoma (Hellas Verona), Tommaso Barbieri (Novara);
Midfielders: Riccardo Boscolo Chio (Inter), Andrea Capone (Milan), Michael Brentan (Sampdoria), Samuele Giovane (Atalanta), Gaetano Pio Oristanio (Inter), Simone Panada (Atalanta), Franco Tongya Heubang (Juventus);
Forwards: Lorenzo Colombo (Milan), Nicolò Cudrig (Monaco), Wilfried Degnand Gnonto (Inter).

Staff: Delegation Head: Gianfranco Serioli; National Youth Team Co-ordinator, Maurizio Viscidi; Coach: Carmine Nunziata; Assistant Coach: Emanuele Filippini; Secretary: Massimo Petracchini; Club Italia, Manfredi Martino; Goalkeeping Coach: Fabrizio Ferron; Fitness coach: Marco Montini; Match Analyst: Filippo Lorenzon; Doctors: Cosma Calderaro and Daniele Mazza; Physiotherapists: Giuliano Gepponi and Angelo Cartocci; Nutritionist: Maria Luisa Cravana; Tutor: Stefano Presciutti; Logistics office: Marco Ceccarelli; Administrative office: Antonio Martuscelli; Press officer: Giuseppe Ingrati.