News Focus
- Nicolò Tresoldi has been excluded from Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad
- The 21-year-old striker holds both Italian and German passports
- Italy and Argentina are now competing to secure his international future
Italy’s hopes of convincing Nicolò Tresoldi to switch allegiance have received a significant boost. The young striker will not represent Germany at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann has left the 21-year-old out of his squad. Nick Woltemade will take the available spot instead. This decision leaves the door open for Italy to recruit the forward.
Tresoldi was born in Sardinia. He moved to Germany with his family during his childhood. He currently plays for Club Brugge in Belgium. The club paid €7.5 million to sign him from Hannover. He has enjoyed an excellent season. He scored 19 goals and provided seven assists in 56 appearances.
Reports suggest Tresoldi initially chose Germany after Italy’s Under-17 scouts rejected him. They did not believe he met their standards at that time. Now, the Azzurri have another chance to persuade him. They can offer him more regular first-team football than Germany.
Argentina may also attempt to convince the centre-forward to play for their national team.