Gattuso scouting Tresoldi and Palma for future Italy talent

Italy coach Rino Gattuso is reportedly scouting some more ‘oriundi’ for the future, including Nicolò Tresoldi of Club Brugge and Udinese defender Matteo Palma.

It is no secret that the Azzurri are seeking more alternatives, as so few young Italians get regular playing time in Serie A.

While Roberto Mancini went to Argentina to find Mateo Retegui, Gattuso is looking significantly closer to home for players who are available for the Nazionale.

Tresoldi and Palma on Italy radar

Tuttosport point out that Gattuso’s scouts have been spotted in the stands watching Club Brugge striker Tresoldi, who has impressed this season with five goals in 17 appearances.

The centre-forward turned 21 in August and was born in Cagliari, but his family moved to Germany when he was a child.

Tresoldi has dual citizenship and has represented Germany at Under-21 level, where he scored nine goals in 18 caps, but is still available for the senior Italy side.

“The rules do allow it, and my phone is switched on, so if Gattuso wanted to call for a chat, it would make me very happy,” Tresoldi commented when asked about the possibility of playing for Italy.

“I am happy with the Germany Under-21 side, but we’ll see about the future.”

Even closer to home is defender Palma, who is currently in the Udinese Primavera squad, but has dual Italian and German citizenship.

The 17-year-old was born in Berlin and did represent Italy at Under-15 level before switching to Germany for Under-16 and Under-17 teams.

The centre-back has started two Coppa Italia ties for Udinese and his odds of promotion for Italy increased with the serious injury for Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni.