Castro has no Italy dream: ‘I cannot and I don’t want to’ | OneFootball

After Roma’s Matias Soulé, now Bologna striker Santiago Gimenez has also publicly rejected the idea of playing for Italy. ‘I cannot and I don’t want to.’

The Azzurri’s continuing struggles to qualify for a World Cup after missing the 2018 and 2022 editions see them looking around for a wider pool of talent to choose from.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Matias Soule of AS Roma kicks the ball during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

That includes Argentinean players in Serie A who have some Italian ancestry and could therefore represent the Nazionale, just like Mateo Retegui and in the 2006 World Cup Mauro Camoranesi.

However, some of those approaches have been unsuccessful, with Roma starlet Soulé stating he is ready to wait for Argentina to give him his first senior cap.

Castro gives blunt response to Italy idea

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Genoa CFC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Speaking to TGR RAI Emilia Romagna today, Bologna centre-forward Castro was also asked about the possibility of playing for Italy.

“Many people, joking mainly, have invited me to do it, but I cannot and I don’t want to,” he replied.

“My desire is to play for Argentina.”

The 21-year-old has an Italian passport and represented Argentina at various youth levels, including Under-20 and Under-23.

Castro joined Bologna in January 2024 from Velez Sarsfield and so far this season has scored four goals with one assist in nine Serie A appearances.