Mancini names 17-year-old Cassano in latest Italy squad before first club appearance

Riccardo Cassano in pre-season action with Como (@richi.cassa via Instagram)

Roberto Mancini has recently confirmed a squad of 31 players for Italy’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, and to much surprise, has included 17-year-old Como midfielder Riccardo Cassano, who has not yet made a competitive appearance at club level. 

First Italy call-up for 17-year-old Cassano

Italy will be in action against France in San Siro next Thursday, November 12, and away against Belgium on Sunday, November 15. 

As things stand, Italy sit in second place in their Nations League group on seven points after four matches. France lead the way on 10, Belgium are in third on six and Turkiye are bottom on zero. 

Among the players hoping to impress Mancini during the next national team camp, which officially begins on Monday (November 9), will be 17-year-old central midfielder Cassano, who has earned his first Italy call-up before making a competitive appearance for Como. 

The teenager was only promoted to the Como U21 squad at the beginning of the 2026-27 season and only earned his first caps for the Italy U18 squad in September. 

The youngster did train and travel with the senior Como squad during pre-season, but his only appearances this season have been with the Primavera league and in the UEFA Youth League. 

This is not the first time that Mancini has given opportunities to players who have been previously untested in Serie A: Nicolo Zaniolo, who has also been included in the November squad, was handed his first cap for the senior national team by Mancini back in 2019, six months before his first competitive appearance with Roma.