Jorge Jesus could spring a surprise with Sporting star in 26/27 | OneFootball

Sporting Sporting could gain two new senior internationals as early as the next FIFA break. Issa Doumbia and Flávio Gonçalves have been pre-called up to the senior national teams of Italy and Portugal, respectively, and are now waiting for the final squads.

According to Record, Doumbia’s situation appears to be the more advanced. The 22-year-old midfielder can no longer play for Italy’s under-21s and Roberto Mancini has been closely following the Sporting player’s progress, and was even at Alvalade to watch him against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The Italian press has also placed Doumbia among the faces of the renewal being prepared by the squadra azzurra. The new head coach will announce tomorrow the players selected for the upcoming Nations League matches, and the number 77 is hoping to confirm his debut at senior level.

Flávio Gonçalves is in a different situation. The 19-year-old winger could make a direct jump from the under-20s to Portugal’s senior national team, although the more likely scenario is still a spell with the under-21s. Even so, the pre-call shows that his start to the season at Sporting has already caught the attention of the new national coaching staff.

The youngster has three goals and one assist in seven official matches for the Lions and has been earning more opportunities in Rui Borges’ selections. Jorge Jesus will announce Portugal’s squad for the international fixtures on Friday, when Flávio will find out at which level he will be used.

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