Fagioli Brushes Off Italy Snub: 'Kean and Dzeko Will Sort the Azzurri!'

Picture this: you're smashing it for Fiorentina, bagging goals and assists left, right, and centre, yet the Italy call-up for the World Cup play-offs passes you by. That's the spot Nicolò Fagioli finds himself in, but the midfielder's taking it like a champ – no sulking, just straight-up support for his mates. As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, Fagioli chatted to Sky Sport Italia and spilled the beans on why he's chill about it.

No Hard Feelings on the Azzurri Bench

Fagioli's been a revelation in Serie A this season, notching two goals and three assists in 37 competitive games for the Viola. With seven senior caps under his belt – the last back in October 2024 after that gambling ban hiccup – plenty reckoned Gennaro Gattuso would chuck him into the mix for the play-offs. But nope.

"Honestly, no surprise," Fagioli shrugged. "Those lads in the squad deserve it, full stop." He reckons the inevitable drama around selections is just Italian football's pantomime – would've kicked off either way. Instead of moaning, he's all about backing the Azzurri against Bosnia in the play-off final on Tuesday, March 31. "Win it for June," he says, eyes on that summer squad spot.

It's the kind of mature chat that makes you think, 'This kid's got his head screwed on.' No Twitter rants or agent leaks – just pure class.

Teammates Kean and Dzeko: Fiorentina's Export Stars

While Fagioli cools his heels, two Viola pals are jetting off to represent. Moise Kean and Edin Dzeko made the cut after Italy's 2-0 warm-up win over Northern Ireland – Sandro Tonali opener, Kean sealer.

Fagioli's got Kean's back big time. "He had a tougher season after last year's buzz – Italian defences study you like a hawk post-success," he explained. Injuries niggled, form dipped, but Kean dragged Fiorentina out of the muck. Now he's proving his class on the international stage. Sounds like the sort of striker you'd buy a pint for after a scrappy derby win.

And Dzeko? The Bosnian legend's the opponent this time, having clawed his side level against Wales in extra time before penalties sealed it. Fagioli knows him inside out from Florence days. "Top bloke, phenomenal in the air, silky technique," he admits. "Wish him well... except against Italy, obviously."

Dzeko Danger: How Do Italy Shut Him Down?

Bosnia aren't mugs – organised like Northern Ireland but packed with more flair, Dzeko the spearhead. Fagioli's tip for Gattuso's backline? "Stay switched on, lads. He's a nightmare." No easy games in 2026 qualifiers, that's for sure.

Fagioli's playing the long game, waiting for his moment while cheering from afar. It's refreshing in a world of prima donnas – reminds you why we love this game. Keep grafting, Nico; that Azzurri shirt's got your name on it eventually.

Fiorentina fans, meanwhile, can dream of their exports dragging Italy to the World Cup. Kean firing, Dzeko plotting – Tuesday's semi-final could be a cracker. Grab the popcorn (or a birra) and settle in.

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