Mancini Splits Italy Squad as Barella and Maldini Stay Behind for Turkey Trip

Roberto Mancini has made an unusual decision ahead of Italy’s Nations League trip to Turkey, leaving Nicolò Barella, Daniel Maldini and eight other players at Coverciano rather than taking his entire squad to Bursa.

The decision is not believed to be linked to suspensions or selection punishment. Instead, Mancini has divided his 33-man group to manage the demanding international schedule and avoid putting every player through what the Italian federation described as a tiring trip to Turkey.

Barella and Maldini Among Those Staying in Italy

Barella and Maldini are two of the most recognisable names in the group remaining at Italy’s training centre.

They have been joined by Honest Ahanor, Diego Coppola, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio, Gianluca Mancini, Massimo Pessina, Samuele Ricci and Mohamed Ali Zoma.

Rather than simply being left out, the 10 players will continue training at Coverciano under a specific programme designed by Italy’s technical, performance and medical staff.

That means Mancini can maintain their preparation while avoiding an unnecessary round trip to Bursa.

Mancini Is Thinking Beyond Turkey

The decision becomes easier to understand when Italy’s schedule is considered.

The Azzurri face Turkey away before travelling to Paris to meet France on October 2, followed by another meeting with Turkey in Bologna on October 5.

Mancini therefore has three Nations League matches packed into a short period, making workload management an important part of his planning.

Italy are also looking to recover from their opening defeat, having lost 2-0 to Belgium in Rome on September 25.

Twenty-Three Players Travel to Bursa

A Different Approach From Mancini

Mancini's decision is particularly notable because Italy are in the early stages of a rebuild.

The coach returned to the Azzurri job after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and subsequently named an expanded squad containing several uncapped players. Reuters reported that his new group included nine players yet to make their senior international debuts.

The Turkey trip therefore represents more than another fixture.

It is also part of Mancini's attempt to manage a squad that contains a mixture of experienced internationals and younger players while navigating a demanding run of matches.

For Barella, Maldini and the other players staying in Italy, the plan is simple: train, recover and prepare for what comes next rather than spending energy on a trip Mancini believes they do not need to make.

And with France waiting in Paris just days later, the decision could prove significant for Italy's wider Nations League campaign.

⚽ Fan Debate

🔥 Fire: Mancini has taken an unusual approach to managing his squad.

😲 Shock: Barella and Maldini are staying behind despite being part of the Nations League squad.

👍 Like: Smart workload management or unnecessary squad rotation?

💬 Comment: Should Italy always travel with their full squad for international fixtures?