Torino’s right-back Raoul Bellanova, Hellas Verona midfielder Michael Folorunsho, and Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca received their first call-ups to Italy’s squad on Friday.
Italy is scheduled to play friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador in the United States next week.
Following the long-term absence of key winger Domenico Berardi due to a right Achilles tendon tear, coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to lean on Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, and Mateo Retegui in the attacking lineup.
Notably, Atalanta forward Gianluca Scamacca was omitted from the squad.
The Azzurri will take on Venezuela for the first time on Thursday at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Lionel Messi’s home field. They will then face Ecuador three days later at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Bellanova has represented Italy at every youth level, while Folorunsho, of Nigerian descent, has impressed with four goals for Verona this season while on loan from Napoli. Lucca, who spent the previous season on loan at Ajax, has contributed eight goals in 30 Serie A and Italian Cup matches for Udinese.
Italy has faced Ecuador twice before, winning 2-0 at the 2002 World Cup and drawing 1-1 in a friendly in New York in 2005, marking the last time the Azzurri traveled to the U.S. These matches serve as preparation for Italy’s European Championship title defense.
Spalletti’s squad is drawn in a group with Spain, Croatia, and Albania at Euro 2024, set to commence on June 14 in Germany.
