Spalletti wants Castro for Italy as Argentina name striker in preliminary squad | OneFootball

Bologna’s Santiago Castro is not only on several clubs’ radars for the summer transfer market, but he’s also a target for Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, who is reportedly eager to persuade the striker to represent the Azzurri.

Although he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 20-year-old also gained Italian citizenship a few days ago, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, making him eligible to play for the four-time World Cup winners, given that he has never featured for Argentina’s senior national team.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Spalletti eager to persuade Castro to join Italy as Argentina name him in squad

With seven Serie A goals in 27 games this season, Castro has been attracting significant interest, with Inter reportedly being the keenest club to secure him for next season. Spalletti hopes he can follow in the footsteps of Mateo Retegui, another Argentina-born striker who chose to represent Italy in 2023.

However, while the former Napoli coach is said to be a big admirer of the young forward, it remains unlikely that Castro will opt for Italy over his native country, as he has repeatedly expressed his dream of playing for the Albiceleste.

Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and AC Monza at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Castro could still theoretically make the switch, as he has only represented Argentina at youth levels.

However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni recently included him in the preliminary squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay, suggesting that he remains in the reigning world champions’ plans.