Thirteen Roma players called up for international duty; Mancini out of Italy squad with muscle problem

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been left out of Italy coach Roberto Mancini's 31-man squad for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium, despite a strong start to the season with Roma. Mancini addressed the decision at a press conference today at Coverciano, where the squad is gathering. Mancini said: "We know Cristante, there is no need to prove him. When we need him, we will call him." He stressed that the decision was not technical. Instead, he said, it was aimed at giving more room to young players who will have the chance to show what they can do in the senior national team shirt. Two Roma players have been called up: Daniele Ghilardi and Niccolò Pisilli.

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has made clear that Roma forward Donyell Malen is, in his view, a centre-forward, even though he can also be used on the right. Malen has been recalled to the Dutch squad after missing the nation's most recent fixtures through injury. Speaking at a press conference, Xavi said: "For me Malen is a centre-forward. Of course, he is an option on the right, but he feels more comfortable playing as a striker." The comments appear to settle any doubt about the Dutchman's role. His predecessor Koeman often used him as a right winger, the same position he occupied during his time at Aston Villa. Since arriving in the capital, however, Gian Piero Gasperini has deployed him at the heart of the attack, producing thrilling results and convincing Xavi, the former Barcelona midfielder, of his value in that role. Xavi added: "The best thing we can do is give him confidence. Explain to him what we expect from him as a centre-forward. He knows how to attack the spaces, he understands what is asked of him. He recognises the right moment to be involved in the play. I think he can give the best of himself with the Oranje." Having won over Rome, Malen now wants to make his mark on the national team as well.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has explained why Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was left out of his squad, saying he already knows the player well and does not need to test him. Speaking at a press conference at Coverciano before the official start of Nazionale training, Mancini addressed several aspects of the call-ups, including Cristante's absence from the list. Mancini said: "Cristante lo conosciamo, non c'è bisogno di provarlo. Quando ne avremo bisogno lo chiameremo." In English: "We know Cristante, there is no need to try him out. When we need him, we will call him." The coach made clear these were the reasons behind leaving the Roma midfielder out. The decision means Cristante will remain with Roma during the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini will be pleased to have the number 4 available for the club's training and preparation during the pause.

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been left out of Italy coach Roberto Mancini's 31-man squad for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium, despite a strong start to the season with Roma. Mancini addressed the decision at a press conference today at Coverciano, where the squad is gathering. Mancini said: "We know Cristante, there is no need to prove him. When we need him, we will call him." He stressed that the decision was not technical. Instead, he said, it was aimed at giving more room to young players who will have the chance to show what they can do in the senior national team shirt. Two Roma players have been called up: Daniele Ghilardi and Niccolò Pisilli.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has explained why Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was left out of his squad, saying he already knows the player well and does not need to test him. Speaking at a press conference at Coverciano before the official start of Nazionale training, Mancini addressed several aspects of the call-ups, including Cristante's absence from the list. Mancini said: "Cristante lo conosciamo, non c'è bisogno di provarlo. Quando ne avremo bisogno lo chiameremo." In English: "We know Cristante, there is no need to try him out. When we need him, we will call him." The coach made clear these were the reasons behind leaving the Roma midfielder out. The decision means Cristante will remain with Roma during the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini will be pleased to have the number 4 available for the club's training and preparation during the pause.

Thirteen Roma players have been called up by their national teams for the November international break, a sign of the squad's growing standing at the highest level, according to Il Messaggero's Daniele Aloisi. Trigoria will be almost empty in the early part of the week, with the gates reopening on Wednesday, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini to prepare for the resumption with a heavily reduced group. Gasperini had already made clear his view of the break, calling the upcoming international fixtures "amichevoli o poco più" (friendlies or little more) after the match against Sassuolo. Argentina, the runners-up at the World Cup, begin a new cycle without Lionel Messi and have recalled Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro for friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. Wesley faces a much longer trip, travelling to Singapore with Brazil for games against the hosts and Japan. Italy boss Roberto Mancini has opted for youth for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium. Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi will join up at Coverciano, while Bryan Cristante remains at Trigoria. Donyell Malen has also been called up and will meet Xavi, the new Netherlands coach, for the first time. Rodrigo Mora returns to the senior national team a year after his last call-up, which coincided with the campaign that ended in victory in the Nations League.