Lucca left out of Italy squad, Gattuso called before selection | OneFootball

No National Team for Lorenzo Lucca. The Napoli striker, who has had a season start with ups and downs, is not on Gennaro Gattuso's list of call-ups for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Estonia and Israel.

Italy, Lucca excluded from the National Team: Gattuso called him before the call-ups

As reported by Il Mattino, the coach preferred to clarify things immediately by personally contacting the striker to explain the decision. A gesture of respect and transparency that demonstrates the direct relationship Gattuso has established with his players, even in delicate moments like this.

Lucca's rollercoaster summer: from friendlies to tough days

For Lucca, this is another challenging phase in a summer lived on a rollercoaster. The striker had started the summer preparation in the best way, scoring on several occasions and dreaming of a starting position due to Romelu Lukaku's injury.

The arrival of Rasmus Hojlund, however, changed the hierarchy in Napoli's offensive lineup. The young Dane has gained Antonio Conte's trust, relegating Lucca to the bench in recent weeks. The decisive goal against Pisa had suggested an imminent revival, but the lack of a National Team call-up has once again slowed his climb.

Gattuso clear with the player: “No closure, but consistency is needed”

Gattuso's gesture — a phone call before the call-ups — positively surprised the environment. The coach reportedly explained to the player that the decision does not represent a definitive rejection, but a temporary assessment linked to physical condition and performance consistency.

“Lucca is a striker we highly value, but at this moment he just needs to work and regain match rhythm,” the technical staff reportedly confided. A message that implies the doors of the National Team remain open, provided the player regains stability in the coming weeks.

Napoli, confidence from Conte: Lucca remains an important asset

Even in Napoli, the striker enjoys the coach's esteem. Conte appreciates his commitment and willingness to sacrifice, but asks for more incisiveness in the final meters. With Lukaku still in recovery, Lucca could have new opportunities in the upcoming matches to showcase himself.

The goal is clear: to regain consistency and performance to become a credible alternative for both Napoli and the National Team.

Final analysis: exclusion that can become a stimulus

Lucca's absence from Italy's call-ups is not an endpoint, but a growth phase. Gattuso's decision, accompanied by a gesture of respect, confirms the coach's desire to build a meritocratic group, based on mutual trust and direct communication.

For Lucca, the challenge now is to start again from daily work and gradually earn back the call to the national team.

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