Mohamed Ali Zoma has emerged as a potential addition to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad after receiving a preliminary call-up for the national team’s planned gathering in September 2026.
The young attacker is also being monitored by Burkina Faso, but his international future could instead lead him towards the Squadra Azzurra. A place in Italy’s final squad has not yet been confirmed, although the pre-selection represents an early indication that Mancini is considering him for the next international window.
The news was first reported by Gianluca Di Marzio and has since been confirmed by people close to the player. Mancini is understood to be following Zoma’s development closely as Italy assess a group of young dual nationals who could form part of the team’s next phase.
Zoma has Burkina Faso and Ivorian heritage, making him eligible to represent more than one national side. That background has placed him among the players Italy are considering as they look to renew their squad.
The possible involvement of Zoma reflects the Italian set-up’s interest in young footballers with international options. For now, however, the attacker has not been included in the definitive group and must wait before knowing whether he will be involved when the September 2026 gathering takes place.
Issa Doumbia is another player reported to have received a preliminary call-up. The Ivorian is also part of the wider group being considered by Mancini as Italy review their options.
A pre-call-up does not guarantee a place in the final squad, and Zoma’s participation remains uncertain. The player will therefore have to wait for Mancini’s official selection before learning whether he will represent Italy during the next international break.
His situation is being watched closely because Burkina Faso have also identified him as a possible international option. Until Italy publish their final list, Zoma remains eligible to make a decision about his international career, with both possibilities still present.
For Mancini, the preliminary invitation allows Italy to keep the young attacker under consideration ahead of the September programme. For Zoma, it offers the prospect of an international opportunity with the Squadra Azzurra, while leaving the final outcome unresolved.
The next definitive squad announcement will determine whether the attacker moves closer to an Italy debut or remains available for Burkina Faso. For the moment, his inclusion on the preliminary list is the only confirmed step, and there is no certainty that he will be selected for the final gathering.
Report by Ousmane Zoungrana
