Orsolini happy to be back in Italy squad after ‘disappointment'
Orsolini happy to be back in Italy squad after 'disappointment'
Riccardo Orsolini is glad to be back in the Italy squad after 'previous disappointment' and hopes Vincenzo Italiano remains at Bologna.
The winger had been in the preliminary group for the EURO 2024 tournament, but was then cut from the final list and snubbed by coach Luciano Spalletti ever since.
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His form became impossible to ignore this season with 15 goals and five assists in 30 Serie A appearances.
It earned him a recall for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.
Orsolini back in action for Italy
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna celebrates victory after defeating FC Internazionale 1-0 in the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by)
'I am very happy and proud to be back in the Italy team after previous disappointment with the exclusion from the Euros,' Orsolini told Sky Sport Italia.
'I return to the Azzurri with my trademark enthusiasm. I will put my characteristics at the service of the team, which is unpredictability, dribbling and an eye for goal. I think I can give a lot to this Nazionale.
'When it comes to systems and tactical choices, that's down to the coach.'
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Although he made his senior debut for Italy in November 2019, the 28-year-old has only seven caps, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Lewis Ferguson, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna lift the Coppa Italia trophy as their team mates celebrate after the team's victory in the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by)
Bologna won their first piece of major silverware in 51 years, sealing the Coppa Italia Final against Milan and with it qualifying for the Europa League.
'We played in the Champions League this season, the maximum club competition, and a few 'slaps' in that tournament helped us to learn and improve. Now we have more confidence.'
Despite their success in the Coppa Italia, there are still reports that coach Italiano could be tempted to leave Bologna in order to take on the Milan job.
'He seems calm, he knows what he wants. I consider him to be an extraordinary coach and I hope he can continue with this project. We'll see what happens,' added Orsolini.
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