Udinese coach, Andrea Sottil is surprised by Italian defender, Destiny Udogie’s exclusion from the Italy squad to face England and Hungary in the 2022 UEFA Nations League.
The Azzuri of Italy who finished third in the 2021 UEFA Nations League will face the Three Lions of England on Friday, September 23 at San Siro in Italy and the Magyars of Hungary on Monday, 26 September at Puskas Arena Park in Hungary.
Italy coach, Roberto Mancini released a squad list for the UEFA Nations League games and Udogie was left out.
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Speaking during a press conference, Sottil admitted being surprised by Mancini’s snub of Udogie, an impressive left-back, in his latest Italy squad.
“These decisions surprised me,” Sottil was quoted as saying by Football Italia.
“I respect Mancini’s choices but I was still surprised. I think Udogie is one of the best full-backs in the League, he proves this all the time.
“As for Silvestri, I consider him one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.”
The 19-year-old Udogie who was born in Verona, Italy is eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria due to his parentage. He has represented Italy at the U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels.
Udogie, a loanee from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, has scored two goals in six Serie A games for Udinese so far this season.
Udinese are currently second in the Serie A with 16 points from seven games.
Four-time World Champions, Italy, have declined in recent years, having failed to qualify for two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals; 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.
By Toju Sote
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