Real Madrid loanee in line for a starting opportunity with national team in a new role | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono could be closing in on a starting role for Argentina after Lionel Scaloni tested the Real Madrid loanee in an unfamiliar position during preparations for the friendly against Bolivia.

According to AS, Scaloni used Mastantuono on the right side of midfield in a projected starting XI, suggesting the youngster is firmly in line to start for the Argentina manager.

The opportunity comes after Mastantuono missed out on the 2026 World Cup due to limited playing time at Real Madrid. 

His subsequent loan move to Fiorentina was intended to give him the regular football needed to rebuild his momentum, and it has changed his situation with the national team.

Mastantuono’s Fiorentina form opens Argentina door

The decision to send Mastantuono to Serie A has already begun producing the desired effect. 

Franco Mastantuono has returned to the national team setup. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The Argentine has been a regular starter since joining Fiorentina, who have undergone managerial changes this season already.

He has made seven appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring three times. 

One of those goals came in the victory over Venezia, a performance that recalled the qualities Mastantuono displayed during his breakthrough at River Plate.

Those performances were a major reason Real Madrid moved for him in the first place.

Now they are helping him rebuild his standing with Argentina. After being left out of the World Cup because of his lack of minutes, regular football in Italy has given Mastantuono a platform to prove that he can handle a more prominent role.

Scaloni tests Real Madrid youngster in midfield

Scaloni tried Mastantuono in midfield. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Scaloni’s decision to use Mastantuono on the right side of midfield could be particularly important. 

This is because the Argentina coach has included the youngster alongside Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez in the projected team for the Bolivia friendly.

Alvarez remains part of Scaloni’s plans despite his reduced prominence at Atletico Madrid, while Mastantuono is pushing from a very different position after his strong start in Italy.

Notably, his previous experiences with Argentina’s senior side have not produced many memorable moments, but the current international break offers an opportunity to change that.