Italy is gearing up to face Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals, with the potential debut of Burnley's Luca Koleosho on the horizon. The match takes place at San Siro on March 20, 2025, followed by the return leg in Dortmund on March 23. With Mattia Zaccagni’s availability in doubt due to injury, 20-year-old Koleosho has been placed on standby.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has a challenging decision to make as he looks to solidify his squad ahead of the anticipated encounter. The first leg at San Siro is set to kick off at 19.45 GMT, while the second leg will determine who reaches the Final Four of the competition. This leads to questions about the condition of key players. Mateo Retegui has already withdrawn from the match due to a muscular issue, and Zaccagni, along with Andrea Cambiaso, both missed training before the first leg.
“If Zaccagni doesn’t recover, we may have to call in other players,” said Spalletti in a press conference on March 19. He highlighted the possibility of bringing in Cagliari striker Roberto Piccoli or Roma midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi if necessary. However, the immediate spotlight is on Koleosho, who has created a buzz with his rising profile in football.
Koleosho, a right-footed winger who was born in the United States but has roots across three continents, was raised in a multicultural environment. He has Nigerian heritage through his father and Italian-Canadian lineage through his mother. At just 20 years old, he has already accumulated experience at various levels, having represented the USA, Canada, and Italy in youth competitions. His talent was recognized early in his career, starting with Espanyol in Spain before moving to Burnley in 2023, where he has tallied two goals in 26 appearances this season in the Championship.
In addition to his admirable performance on the field, he remains grounded and focused on adapting to his new surroundings. Those close to him mention his dedication to learning Italian to connect more deeply with his teammates and coaches.
As Italy prepares to face Germany, Koleosho’s potential inclusion could make him the twelfth debutant under Spalletti's management. This reflects the coach’s openness to integrating fresh talent into the national team. “The opportunity to debut at this level is immense, and I am ready to seize any chance given to me,” Koleosho mentioned in previous discussions, indicating his eagerness to contribute to the squad.
The coach has also hinted at fielding a different lineup for the match against Germany, opting for a 3-5-1-1 formation with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and a defensive trio of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, and Caleb Okoli. Players such as Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali are expected to anchor the midfield, while Moise Kean leads the attack, supported by Giacomo Raspadori.
This match is not just another game; it holds historical significance for Italian football, especially given the rivalry with Germany. The stakes are high for both sides, with Italy looking to prove their strength after a disappointing Euro campaign. The combination of fresh talent and experienced players could be the key to Italy's success in this tightly contested fixture.
“This match against Germany is an opportunity for us to showcase what we can do,” said Spalletti. “Our goal is to win and secure our place in the semifinals of the Nations League.” The anticipation builds as fans wait to see if Luca Koleosho will indeed make his senior debut amid a backdrop of excitement and pressure.
With their sights set on advancing to the next round, every player must step up their game, but for Koleosho, it might be the opening he’s been waiting for. His agility on the pitch and ability to navigate tightly packed defenses could bring a much-needed dynamic to Italy's gameplay. As the selector weighs his options, one thing is certain: the Italian squad is more than ready to rise to the occasion against Germany.
Whether Koleosho dons the Azzurri jersey for the first time or not, his journey thus far is a testament to perseverance, multicultural heritage, and the relentless pursuit of dreams on the football field.
As March 20 approaches, eyes will be on San Siro, waiting eagerly to see how this chapter unfolds in Italian football history.
