The 64-year-old Italian coach Spaletti made a bold change in his debut by excluding two veteran midfielders, Zorzino and Marco Valianti, from the national team roster. The new coach, who has vowed to bring down all talents, has emphasized the importance of team commitment and performance, and any player who lacks responsibility or performs poorly will be eliminated from the team.
After successfully defending his Serie A title from Napoli, Spaletti took over from the suddenly departing Vincenzo as the new head of the Italian national team. His first roster was a stark contrast to his predecessor, recalling two once-overlooked center backs, Alissio Romaloni and Gianluca Vincennes, while 36-year-old veteran Bonlus failed to make the cut.
The absence of Zorzino and Mago Waratah from the list has raised concerns. Spalletti said in response, "I select players for their commitment and performance, not for their fame. I want the players to understand that representing Italy is an honor and that the national team jersey is a symbol of distinction."
Zorzino has failed to secure a starting position since his transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal, and his performance became a scapegoat for the team's failure to qualify for the final week of the last World Cup after he missed a crucial penalty in the World Cup qualifying match. The poor performance of Marko Waratahi in the national team in recent years has also made his abandonment become an expected thing.
