Doumbia in line for Italy's starting XI against Turkey

At the Turin stadium, expectation hangs over the Italian midfield as coach Roberto Mancini evaluates the options for the clash against Turkey. Among the names under discussion, the newly‑debuted Issa Doumbia sparks interest after the first Nations League match.

Doumbia among the candidates for starter

It states that Issa Doumbia is among the candidates to join Italy's starting eleven in midfield for the showdown with Turkey. The Italian newspaper highlights the Sporting midfielder's potential to make a leap in his career.

Doumbia made his debut for the Italian A team in the loss to Belgium, in the opening matchday of the Nations League. The game marked the player's first minute of action at the highest level.

The newspaper indicates that Mancini intends to bring back Inter's centre‑back, Alessandro Bastoni, and may give space to Brentford's full‑back, Michael Kayode, on the right. It also mentions that Nicolò Zaniolo, Issa Doumbia and Nicolò Fagioli are candidates to join the starting eleven.

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At the time of his debut for Sporting, Doumbia recorded an assist in eight appearances, after leaving Venezia in a €20.5 million deal. The midfielder arrived at the Lisbon club from the Italian side, bringing experience to the midfield.

The information was released by Carlos Silva of Bola na Rede, who reproduced the content from. The article first appeared on the Bola na Rede portal.

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If Mancini confirms Doumbia in the lineup, the player could consolidate his position in the Italian national team and strengthen the link between Serie A and the Nations League. The development of the Sporting midfielder will be closely watched by fans and analysts.