Poland set sights on Palermo striker after Vavassori's exclusion

In the tense dressing room of the Italian national team, the young Palermo striker Dominic Vavassori watches silently the list of call‑ups which, for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against France on November 12 and Belgium on the 15th, does not include him.

Coach Roberto Mancini, after analysing the profiles of numerous players in recent weeks, has finalized the squad, leaving Vavassori at home. The 20‑year‑old had been watched live by Leonardo Bonucci in the match against Mantova, making a good impression, but in the end the decision fell on other names.

Poland targets the young striker

The exclusion has put the Palermo bomber in Poland’s sights, which has opened talks because the striker’s mother is of Polish nationality. In ten league appearances, Vavassori has delivered six crosses and one assist, has started seven matches, and has added a goal and two key passes in two Coppa Italia appearances.

The contacts have already been initiated and Vavassori is taking time to assess every scenario, without ruling out any option. The Eastern European federation wants to secure his “yes” quickly to give coach Jan Urban a talent on the launchpad, useful for the generational renewal process of the attack.

Italy deprived of Zaniolo for its last two Nations League matches

In the Polish attacking department, Robert Lewandowski has turned 38, while Arkadiusz Milik and Krzysztof Piątek have long been off the radar; so far only Karol Swiderski has provided concrete answers, the others have yet to deliver. Under Filippo Inzaghi’s management, Vavassori has shown he can cover both the right‑wing position and the second‑striker role, offering great versatility.

Palermo, sensing his potential, had tried to include in the agreement with Atalanta a buy‑back clause or an option for a permanent purchase at the end of the season, but Atalanta responded only with a straight loan. The Under‑21 coach Silvio Baldini called him up for two friendlies in mid‑month, but Poland remains confident of persuading him, replicating the operation that in 2021 brought Nicola Zalewski.

The final decision belongs to Vavassori, who is playing away tonight at Ascoli’s ground; on one side Italy, on the other Poland.