Agent Critiques Mancini’s Decision to Omit Calò from Italy Squad
Giacomo Calò’s agent has expressed disappointment with Roberto Mancini’s choice to exclude the Frosinone midfielder from the Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium. He cautioned that this decision jeopardizes the principle of “meritocracy”.
Vincenzo Pisacane, who represents the 29-year-old Calò, highlighted that the player’s performance positions him as the best midfielder in Italy currently, questioning the reasoning behind his omission. According to Pisacane, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Calò’s statistics support his claim as a top contender in Italy’s midfield.
Advertisement
Mancini named a 31-man squad on Thursday for the matches against France at San Siro on November 12 and Belgium in Brussels three days later. The squad includes ten midfielders, with new call-ups for younger players such as Riccardo Cassano of Como and Simone Lontani of Parma, but Calò was not selected.
Calò has emerged as a standout player this season, having spent most of his career in Serie B and Serie C. In his debut top-flight season, he has already scored five league goals, including a streak of four consecutive matches. No player in Serie A has created more chances this season, contributing significantly to Frosinone’s success, which sees them currently placed sixth in the league, ahead of teams like Juventus and Napoli.
FROSINONE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Giacomo Calò of Frosinone Calcio celebrates with his teammate Anthony Oyono after scoring opening goal during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Benito Stirpe on September 20, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Calò’s agent comments on Mancini’s exclusion
“It was unexpected not to see him in Roberto Mancini’s squad. I know Mancini values performance, and I was surprised,” Pisacane told TuttoMercatoWeb. “If he were older, I could have understood, but he’s just 29. By the stats, he is the best midfielder in Italy right now.
“The selected players are undoubtedly strong, but I believe none of them match Calò’s current performance metrics. It would have been fair to include him. I hope that this omission does not signify the end of meritocracy and that Giacomo receives his chance if he maintains his form; otherwise, it implies a lack of rationale in national team selections.”
Despite interest from other clubs, including Sampdoria, Calò opted to stay with Frosinone over the summer, a choice Pisacane noted was mutual. “The club also played a role in ensuring he remained part of the team,” he shared.
Advertisement
“Several Serie A clubs have since reached out to express their regret for not heeding my earlier advice about Giacomo. That acknowledgment is significant. While discussions about the transfer market can take place later, Giacomo is currently entirely focused on Frosinone,” he stated.
Pisacane praised coach Massimiliano Alvini for his instrumental role in signing Calò, reflecting on their positive professional relationship. “Alvini has shown unwavering support, and Giacomo is repaying that trust on the field,” he said, adding that he believes Alvini’s achievements have not yet reached their full potential.
“Giacomo remains calm and is more determined than ever as Frosinone prepares for their upcoming match against Cagliari.”
