Lazio Captain Mattia Zaccagni Still Keeps Azzurri Ambitions Alive

Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni remains hopeful about returning to the Italian national team despite being left out of Luciano Spalletti’s squad for the March international break.

Although he was not selected for the Azzurri, Zaccagni has made it clear that he still dreams of representing Italy. The 29-year-old winger is regarded as one of the top Italian players of his generation, having delivered strong performances with Hellas Verona and Lazio over the past five seasons.

Last summer, he was entrusted with the Lazio captaincy following Ciro Immobile’s departure to Besiktas. However, despite scoring a memorable goal against Croatia at Euro 2024, his international career has not progressed further. That goal remains his only one for Italy, and since his debut under Roberto Mancini in March 2022 at age 26, he has earned just nine caps.

Nonetheless, the Biancoceleste winger has not abandoned his ambition of playing for Italy again, as he shared in a recent interview.

“Playing for the national team would be incredible. It has always been my goal. Of course, we must respect the coach’s decisions, but I work hard every day to achieve it,” told Zaccagni. 

Current Italy coach Luciano Spalletti omitted Zaccagni from the squad due to a tactical shift to a 3-5-1-1 formation, which does not favor traditional wingers. However, the Cesena-born player remains determined to prove his worth ahead of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Germany. His performances this season have been impressive, with nine goals and eight assists across all competitions.