Bologna hint at Castro’s Italy snub: ‘A difficult decision’ | OneFootball

Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio admits that Santiago Castro has a ‘strong sense of belonging’, but the club’ ‘won’t interfere’ with personal choices on his national team.

Corriere dello Sport reported on Saturday that Italy coach Luciano Spalletti was considering Castro, an Argentina-born striker with an Italian passport, for the Azzurri national team.

However, the Rossoblu striker and his teammate Benjamín Domínguez received their first Argentina call-ups in the Seleccion’s preliminary squad for upcoming games against Uruguay and Brazil.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and Monza at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 18, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We are very happy for the boys because they are doing a great job,” Di Vaio told DAZN via TMW on Sunday.

“They immediately approached their work with seriousness, dedication, and a strong desire to improve.

“When they play, they give their all, just like many players from Argentina do. They have a very strong character and bring incredible positivity to the team, both on and off the field. We are really happy for them, and I imagine it’s a great source of pride, just as it is for the club.”

Do Italy have a chance to convince Castro?

“Honestly, these are very personal decisions,” Di Vaio replied.

“When someone has a strong sense of belonging, it’s hard to change their mind. Of course, he would appreciate the interest from an important national team like ours, but we wouldn’t interfere in personal choices, even though we could offer advice. I imagine it’s a tough decision.”