Fagioli: ‘My greatest Italy dream is to play at World Cup’

FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Nicolo' Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Nicolò Fagioli admits he ‘didn’t expect’ an Italy recall after two years and his ‘greatest dream’ is to play at the World Cup, now that he has gained in confidence and maturity.

The 25-year-old had not even received a call-up since the 4-1 win over Israel in October 2024, but was thrown into the starting XI for Monday’s 4-1 victory in Turkiye.

That impressive performance could potentially put him in the running to feature against France on Friday, as the Nations League Group A fixtures continue.

Fagioli relishing Italy opportunity

“Facing a France side full of champions and with Zinedine Zidane on the touchline will be an indescribable emotion,” Fagioli told RAI Sport.

“It’s a wonderful challenge for all of us, really putting us to the test, because we have to prove what we can do on the pitch.”

This represents a return to international duty for the midfielder, who moved to Fiorentina in January 2025 from Juventus.

“I didn’t expect this call-up, but I really hoped for it. My biggest dream is to go to the World Cup with Italy.”

His career was almost sent off track by an addiction to online gambling, which prompted him to hand himself in and accept an eight-month ban in 2023.

“I have matured a great deal, I feel more sure of myself, more ready to step up in some situations, and more determined in others, even if I remain quite a sensitive guy and I consider a certain fragility to be a quality.

“I knew that I needed to improve in some respects, and I have done, so now I feel confident that I can do well.”

The Italy performance against Turkiye was night and day from the one a few days earlier in that 2-0 defeat to Belgium.

“It was important to bring home a result, both for the table and to boost our confidence. It hadn’t gone well against Belgium, even if there was a good reaction after the break,” added Fagioli.

Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in that match and received some criticism, but Fagioli rushed to his defence.

“Social media loves to celebrate when you are doing well and then smash you back down at the first mistake. Romano was unlucky that a misplaced pass sparked the counter-attack for the goal, but these things happen all the time in football, and it will happen many more times in future.

“Romano is young, he will improve, and is a great lad. He mustn’t worry, the whole team is behind him. We can’t control what people say outside, but it’s not important to us anyway.”