17-Year-Old Uncapped Como Prospect Earns Surprise Senior Italy Selection
Speaking in comments published on the official Como club media channels, 17-year-old attacker Riccardo Cassano detailed his immediate reaction following his inclusion in the senior Italy national team training camp.
The call-up from head coach Roberto Mancini arrived before the teenager has recorded a single competitive first-team appearance for Como’s senior side. Cassano’s playing time this season has been restricted to the Primavera setup and the UEFA Youth League under Primavera head coach Gianluca Falsini and senior manager Cesc Fàbregas.
Como
clubRiccardo Cassano Expresses Gratitude to Roberto Mancini for Italy Senior Inclusion
Addressing the selection, Cassano acknowledged the significance of joining the senior Azzurri squad for the opening portion of the international break.
“Head coach Roberto Mancini has given me a wonderful opportunity, a dream come true for anyone my age. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me achieve this small goal: from the Primavera manager Gianluca Falsini to the first-team manager Cesc Fàbregas, as well as all the coaches I’ve had over the years. I just have to thank everyone who has supported me and who continues to support me on this journey.”
The temporary integration into senior international training provides the young forward direct exposure to top-level tactical setups before he shifts focus to youth international duty. Roberto Mancini’s decision highlights a deliberate attempt to incorporate emerging talent into the national team environment ahead of competitive fixtures.
Como Forward Outlines Objectives Ahead of FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar
Following his short period with the senior national team, Cassano will depart the group to join up with the squad taking part in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
“I’ll try to make the most of this opportunity to be called up to the senior national team by showing Coach Mancini what I’m capable of. Then another wonderful experience awaits me: the World Cup in Qatar. We’re a strong squad; in my opinion, we’ve got all the right qualities to go a long way.”
The dual commitment requires an immediate transition from senior-level training drills under Mancini to tournament competition in Qatar. The youth international schedule demands rapid physical recovery as the squad prepares for the opening round of matches on the international stage.
The comments were originally published on the official Como website.