Argentina’s Scaloni: Soulé on our radar, Italy’s hopes dashed | OneFootball

The Albiceleste head coach shuts down any notion of the Roma talent switching to the Italian national team: “He has a future with us, but I want him to arrive at the right time.”

Argentina, Scaloni “dream-killer” for the Azzurri: “Soulé is on our radar, I’ll call him when he’s ready”

The idea of seeing Matías Soulé in the Italian national team jersey already seems to have faded. Bringing the matter to a close was Lionel Scaloni himself, Argentina’s head coach, speaking at a press conference on the eve of the friendly against Puerto Rico.

“I’ve been following Soulé for a while and I know he’s growing a lot; if he continues like this, there won’t be any problems,” Scaloni explained. “He’s on our radar, as are many other young players who can contribute to the team. He’s already been with us, like Buonanotte, Garnacho and Carboni. These are guys we see having a future with the national team, and we’ll call them when we feel they’re ready to make a real contribution. That’s our philosophy.”

Words that shut the door on the rumors circulating in recent days about possible interest from the FIGC in the Roma player, who has been a standout at the start of the Serie A season.

The “Soulé case”: what happened

The case erupted after statements from Soulé’s agent, who sent a clear message to Argentine media microphones:

“Argentina has never called him, yet many young players have made their debuts in recent months. Matías would deserve a chance for what he’s doing at a big club like Roma. If the situation doesn’t change? He can legally be called up by Italy; anything is possible.”

Words that sparked debate, especially considering the dual passport of the 2003-born talent, born in Argentina but with Italian roots.

It should be remembered, however, that Soulé has already been called up in the past by Scaloni, although without making an official debut. Moreover, the player himself has always expressed the desire to represent Argentina, even turning down a call from former Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti in 2023.

Soulé and the future with the Albiceleste

Born in Mar del Plata in 2003 and developed in Juventus’s youth system, Matías Soulé has established himself at Roma as one of the most interesting South American talents in Europe. His performances with the Giallorossi haven’t gone unnoticed: goals, assists, and an increasingly evident tactical maturity.

For Scaloni, Soulé is an investment for the Albiceleste’s future, but without haste: the coach wants to integrate him “only when he’s ready to make a real contribution.” A clear message for other young Argentine players emerging in Europe as well.

Italy tried, but Soulé remains faithful to his flag

The Italian national team’s dream of “naturalizing” Soulé, leveraging his dual passport, thus seems destined to fade. Scaloni has locked down the Roma talent, reaffirming the continuity of the project with the young players already monitored and previously called up.

Soulé, for his part, remains focused on his club and looks ahead: the World Cup dream with Argentina has never been so close.

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