Earlier this week, Roberto Mancini named his Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League clashes against England and Hungary, but there was no room for Tottenham wonderkid Destiny Udogie.
Spurs signed the Italian from Udinese in a deal worth £15m in August before loaning him back to the Serie A side for the 2022/23 campaign.
The 19-year-old has earned four caps for the Italy Under-21 side, but has never received a call-up to the senior side.
After his latest exclusion, Andrea Sottil – Udogie’s manager at Udinese – is baffled.
What’s the story?
Well, the 48-year-old did not agree with Mancini’s decision to leave the 19-year-old out.
Sottil told Sky Sports Italy: “These choices surprise me. I absolutely respect the decisions of coach Roberto Mancini, whom I respect very much, but I think Udogie is one of the best full backs in our league.”
We have to agree.
Udogie has started the Serie A season on fire, scoring two goals in five appearances from a left wing-back role, which is mightily impressive.
The teenager’s ability to make an impact in the final third, despite his lack of senior experience and also with defensive duties to think about, really does speak volumes about his ability.
It comes after Udogie scored five goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances last season, a stunning campaign which earned him his move to Tottenham.
Tottenham have a gem in Destiny Udogie
In our view, Udogie shouldn’t be too concerned about missing out on a place in the Italy squad this time around, as he will surely win many, many senior caps throughout his career.
Under a world class manager in Antonio Conte, who knows exactly how to coach wing-backs to a high level, we believe the sky is the limit for Udogie, who is already performing at an unbelievably high standard for his age.
As the likes of Kyle Walker move for £50m and Marc Cucurella for £60m, Spurs may have found themselves a bargain by spending just £15m on the Verona-born wonderkid.
If he can avoid injuries, and gets to spend at least a few years working with Conte, we think Udogie will become one of the standout players in the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
