Argentina, Scaloni leaves Soulé out again: fans fume, Italy switch still on | OneFootball

Another disappointment for Matías Soulé. The Roma playmaker has not been called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for Argentina's friendly against Angola, scheduled for Friday in Luanda, despite the recent absences of Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone.

Argentina, Scaloni leaves Soulé out again: fans' anger erupts. The Italy option remains alive

The decision has sparked strong reactions among Albiceleste fans, who have expressed their frustration on social media over the continued exclusion of the young talent, who has been a standout in the Serie A season with the Giallorossi jersey.

Scaloni chooses Buendía, but discontent erupts

According to reports from Olé and confirmed by TyC Sports, Scaloni has decided to call up Emiliano Buendía, the versatile offensive player from Aston Villa, in place of the two unavailable players. This choice surprised many, given that the former Leverkusen player's numbers are not superior to those of Soulé: 4 goals and 2 assists in 14 appearances for Buendía, practically identical to those of the Roma player.

The decision has reignited the debate around the coach, accused by some Argentine fans of systematically ignoring emerging young talents in Europe. "It's inexplicable how one of the best offensive talents of the moment stays at home," several users write on the official Selección social media pages.

Soulé, a talent ignored by Argentina

Soulé, born in 2003, has had a convincing start to the season at Roma under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi, with high-level performances and growing consistency. However, his name continues to be absent from Scaloni's lists, who prefers to rely on more experienced players or those already established in the National team group.

The lack of a call-up comes after months of waiting and hope from the player, who had declared himself "100% Argentine," but now faces an important crossroads for his international career.

Italian option: still open

The repeated exclusions could reopen the Italy option. Soulé, in fact, holds dual citizenship and the Italian coach Luciano Spalletti had already made an initial approach in view of Euro 2024. At that time, the player, still with Juventus, declined the invitation, reaffirming his loyalty to the Selección.

However, the new scenario changes the prospects: with the 2026 World Cup increasingly distant and fierce competition in attack (Messi, Di María, Garnacho, Dybala, Buendía), the idea of reconsidering is no longer so improbable.

Even his entourage, in recent weeks, hinted that Italy's interest "remains alive" and that the FIGC is closely monitoring the situation.

Fans divided, uncertain future

The frustration of Argentine fans is palpable. Many consider Soulé one of the most interesting prospects of the new generation and do not understand Scaloni's choices. At the same time, curiosity and hope are growing in Italy to welcome a talent raised in our league into the Azzurri.

The future of Matías Soulé remains open: between an Argentina that does not value him and an Italy ready to extend a hand, the Giallorossi playmaker will soon have to decide which flag to wear.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.